Frame calendar

ABSTRACT

A frame calendar system. It comprises a frame assembly having a frame window. A portion of this frame window is covered by a transparent plate. A stack of calendar sheets each having a calendar date table and a calendar picture can be loaded into this frame assembly. The calendar picture is shielded and displayed behind the transparent plate while the calendar date table is exposed to facilitate memorandum writing and page turning without opening the frame assembly. A custom picture can also be loaded and displayed in lieu of the calendar picture. A spring clamp and magnets are disclosed for allowing a calendar sheet having only the calendar date table to be mounted on and removed from the frame without opening the frame assembly.

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.09/360,386, filed Jul. 23, 1999 which is a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 08/962,095, filed Oct. 31, 1997 which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/929,193, filed Sept. 8,1997 now abandoned which is a continuation of application Ser. No.08/270,008, filed Jul. 1, 1994 now abandoned. The portion of the term ofthis application subsequent to Jul. 1, 2014 has been disclaimed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates in general to vertically positionablecalendars. Such calendars can either be vertically mountable on a wallor nearly vertically positionable on a table. This invention alsorelates to frames in general, and more specifically relates to framesfor mounting calendars.

[0003] Most conventional calendars consist of a stack of calendar sheetsin either loose or book forms. Each of these calendar sheets typicallycontains a calendar date table illustration and a calendar pictureillustration. It is often desirable to display the calendar pictureillustration in a suitable frame to enhance its aesthetic value.However, framing of a vertically positionable calendar is not generallydone because there is no desirable way to frame the calendar pictureillustration while exposing the calendar date table illustration formemorandum writing and date checking.

[0004] For a typical calendar, the calendar picture to be displayed arelimited by the pictures selected by the calendar manufacturer. It issometimes desirable that the displayed calendar picture be temporarilyreplaced by a custom picture. There is no calendar system in the priorart that can alternately display a calendar picture and a custom picturein a desirable manner.

[0005] U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,038,666 and 2,179,857 describe a calendar padattached to a conventional picture frame. In this prior art the calendarpad does not have calendar pictures displayable in the picture frame.The picture frame serves as nothing more than a holder for the calendarpad.

[0006] For a large wall-mounted calendar the frame assembly to be chosenfor the display of the calendar is unavoidably large and heavy. It isdesirable for such frame calendars that the change of the calendardisplay can be achieved without taking down the frame from the mountingwall. No frame assembly known in the prior art can be adapted for suchuse without the need of taking down the frame during the calendardisplay changes.

[0007] It is desirable that the appearance of a calendar frame orpicture frame be changeable to complement the picture on display. Noframe system in the prior art is capable of changing the appearance ofits frame in easy and desirable manner.

[0008] Display cases are generally known in the prior art for thedisplay of collectable articles such as coins, sea shells, etc. It isoften desirable that a background picture or narrative sheet bedisplayed along with the articles on display. This is difficult for mostdisplay cases since they are generally incapable of removably mounting apicture sheet. On the other hand, no picture frame known in the priorart is equipped with desirable support structure for the simultaneousdisplay of the collectable articles and background pictures.

[0009] Most conventional picture frames basically allow a picture to bedisplayed as it is. It would be desirable to provide a picture framethat could add some 3D effect to a mounted picture. This 3D effect isabsent if the picture is viewed by itself without the frame.

[0010] It would also be desirable to provide a picture frame which, inaddition to displaying a main picture, could also display one or morecomplementary pictures that would create a 3D feeling toward the mainpicture in the mind of a viewer. Such 3D feeling is absent if the mainpicture is viewed by itself without the frame, with or without saidcomplementary pictures placed on the side of the main picture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In the present invention a frame calendar is disclosed in whichthe frame is an integral part of the calendar. The calendar alsoincludes a stack of calendar sheets with each one having a calendarpicture illustration and a calendar date table illustration. Allcalendar sheets are mounted on the frame with one calendar pictureillustration in view through the window of the frame and one calendardate table illustration exposed outside the frame.

[0012] Therefore, the first object of the present invention is toprovide a frame calendar which elegantly displays each calendar picturein a frame. It greatly enhances the aesthetic value of the calendarpicture on display. In the mean time the calendar date table on displayis exposed outside of the frame to facilitate memorandum writing andcalendar date checking without disassembling the frame.

[0013] In the present frame calendar system a custom picture can beplaced in the frame and be displayed in lieu of the calendar picture.One is no longer limited by the pictures selected by the calendarmanufacturer. The picture chosen for display can also be changed asfrequently as desired.

[0014] After the end of the calendar year with the removal of thecalendar sheets the present system is readily converted to a pictureframe/storage device and used indefinitely for storing and displayingcustom pictures. The calendar pictures can also be separated from thecalendar date tables and stored in the frame for future display ifdesired.

[0015] In the present invention an one-piece molded back member withresilient arms is disclosed. It greatly eases the effort in loading andunloading the calendar sheets and custom pictures. Two insertion tabsand a spring clip on the back member allow each loading or unloading tobe achieved in two simple steps. After each loading the resilient armsof the back member are in engagement with the comers of the stack of thecalendar sheets/custom pictures. It allows the calendar sheets/custompictures to be properly stored and displayed regardless of the number ofsheets mounted up to the capacity of the frame.

[0016] The frame of the present invention can have a frame border whichis molded to form some carved art pattern with many openings. A stack ofborder sheets with different contrasting colors can be loaded behind theframe border. The first border sheet of the stack will be partiallyvisible through the openings. This allows the appearance of the frame tobe easily changed. The top border sheet on display can therefore bechosen to complement the calendar picture or custom picture on display.

[0017] Alternatively, the frame border of the present invention can alsohave a border window. A stack of border sheets with different printedgraphic patterns can therefore be loaded with the top sheet displayedthrough the border window. More variation of the appearance of the framecan be achieved in this design. A border mat with an intricate laser-cutpattern coupled with one or more matching border sheets as disclosed inthe present invention would make the appearance of the frame and itsvariation even more interesting.

[0018] In addition to a stationary window glass a second window glass isalso provided in the frame of the present invention. Unsymmetrical tabson the sides of this second window glass are engageable with manygrooves having different depths on the inner side wall of the frame.This allows the second window glass to be stopped at four differentdepths while mounted, depending on the orientation of the entry of thesecond window glass. Consequently, a void space with adjustable depth iscreated between the stationary window glass and the second window glass.

[0019] The newly created space will allow dried flowers, reinforcedlaser-cut pictures, etc., to be installed and displayed. In the meantime, a complementary calendar sheet or custom picture is also mountedbehind the second window glass and displayed. This creates a vivid andinteresting three dimensional display. The changing of the calendarsheet/custom picture for display can be achieved without affecting thearticles mounted in the front of the second window glass.

[0020] Small collectable articles such as coins, sea shells, etc., canalso be mounted in the space between the stationary window glass and thesecond window glass. This is achieved with support members of thepresent invention. Support building blocks, support building plates andother support members can be assembled into support assemblies withdifferent shapes and complexities for the support and display of smallcollectable articles. One other novel support member with a magneticplate is also disclosed. This support member is designed to beindividually mounted in the frame assembly for supporting an article ondisplay. This support member is magnetically held in place and will noteasily slide down under load.

[0021] A frame assembly of the present invention can also be equippedwith a support base for the support of assembled toy building blocks.This allows the display of the assembled toy building blocks to beaccompanied by a complementary custom picture or calendar picture. Papertoy figures with novel attachment members of the present invention canalso be added to make the overall display much more interesting.

[0022] A large wall-mounted frame calendar is unavoidably bulky andheavy. Several embodiments of the frame calendar of the presentinvention enable such large calendar/custom pictures to be loaded andunloaded without taking down the frame assembly from the wall. The framebody of the frame assembly swings open horizontally. It requires nolifting or holding of the heavy frame body during the loading orunloading operation.

[0023] Also disclosed in the present invention is a frame system forholding a normally flat picture and bending it into an one dimensionalconcavo-convex shape for adding a three dimensional effect and/or eyemovement effect to its display. This one dimensional concavo-convexshape can be created by either urging the picture toward a pre-curvedtransparent plate or placing the picture in a pre-curved holder. In thisframe system an arch-shaped void space is provided for housing acomplementary three dimensional article and/or reinforced picturesupported by magnetic means. A top edge glass and bottom edge glass areplaced in the present frame system perpendicular to the pre-curvedtransparent plate. A top edge picture sheet and bottom edge picturesheet can be displayed through said top edge glass and bottom edgeglass, respectively, for complementing the main picture on display, andfor creating a 3D feeling toward the main picture in the mind of theviewer. Pre-curved backing plate with adhesive and pre-curved mat sheetprovide 3D space needed for the display of fabric art, relief arts orany 3D object in the present frame system.

[0024] Also disclosed in the present invention is a calendar framesystem which comprises a frame assembly having a frame window. A portionof this frame window is covered by a transparent plate. A stack ofcalendar sheets each having a calendar date table and a calendar picturecan be loaded into this frame assembly. The calendar picture is shieldedand displayed behind the transparent plate while the calendar date tableis exposed to facilitate memorandum writing and page turning withoutopening the frame assembly. A custom picture can also be loaded anddisplayed in lieu of the calendar picture. A spring clamp and magnetsare disclosed for allowing a calendar sheet having only the calendardate table to be mounted on and removed from the frame without openingthe frame assembly.

[0025] Other objects and advantages of this invention reside in theconstruction of parts and the combination thereof, the mode of operationand use, as will become more apparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a frame calendar system ofthe present invention, with parts broken away. The frame calendar isshown disassembled to reveal the details of each component.

[0027]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of theframe calendar system of the present invention, with parts broken away.

[0028]FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a spring plate used in theframe calendar system of FIG. 2.

[0029]FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of theframe calendar system of the present invention, with parts broken away.

[0030]FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of a portion of the framecalendar system of FIG. 4 after assembling, taken substantially on ahorizontal plane containing the line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

[0031]FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of theframe calendar system of the present invention, with parts broken away.

[0032]FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a fifth embodiment of theframe calendar system of the present invention, with parts broken away.

[0033]FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an inner side wall of theframe calendar system of FIG. 7, shown in section and drawn on a largerscale than FIG. 7. This view shows the engagement of a second windowglass with the inner side wall of the frame body of FIG. 7.

[0034]FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view showing one variation ofthe frame body of FIG. 7.

[0035]FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view showing anothervariation of the frame body of FIG. 7.

[0036]FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a border glassof the frame body of FIG. 10.

[0037]FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view showing yet anothervariation of the frame body of FIG. 7.

[0038]FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a sixth embodiment of theframe calendar system of the present invention, with parts broken away.A support base shown in this figure is drawn on a larger scale than therest of the frame calendar system.

[0039]FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a portion of a frameassembly of FIG. 13, drawn on a larger scale than FIG. 13, illustratingthe use of a support base for supporting a dried flower for display inthe frame assembly.

[0040]FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a portion of a frameassembly of the present invention, illustrating the use of a supportbase for supporting a reinforced laser-cut picture mounted in the frameassembly.

[0041]FIG. 16 is an elevational view illustrating another embodiment ofthe support base of the present invention, for the support and displayof an assembled toy horse.

[0042]FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a portion of the supportbase of FIG. 16, with two mounted toy building blocks.

[0043]FIGS. 18 and 19 are perspective views showing the two toy buildingblocks of FIG. 17.

[0044]FIG. 20 is an elevational view showing a paper toy figuresupported on the toy horse of FIG. 16.

[0045]FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a portion of an attachmentmember of the paper toy figure of FIG. 20, to be engaged with a toybuilding block of the toy horse of FIG. 20.

[0046]FIG. 22 is an elevational view showing a seventh embodiment of theframe calendar system of the present invention. Also shown in thisfigure is a support assembly of the present invention for the support ofsmall articles in the frame assembly of the present frame calendarsystem.

[0047]FIG. 23 is a top view showing a portion of a support buildingplate of the support assembly of FIG. 22.

[0048]FIGS. 24 and 25 are sectional views of the support building plateof FIG. 23, taken substantially on lines 24-24 and 25-25 of FIG. 23,respectively.

[0049]FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing an eighth embodiment of theframe calendar system of the present invention.

[0050]FIG. 27 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a portion ofthe frame calendar system of FIG. 26 after assembling, takensubstantially on a vertical plane containing the line 27-27 of FIG. 26.

[0051]FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a small figurine, drawn onenlarged scale, resembling an eagle.

[0052]FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a support member with sixsuction cups for the support of small articles to be displayed in theframe assembly of the present invention.

[0053]FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a ninth embodiment of theframe calendar system of the present invention.

[0054]FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing the back side of a frame ofthe frame calendar system of FIG. 30, in the open position.

[0055]FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a calendar sheet assembly ofthe frame calendar system of FIG. 30.

[0056]FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing the calendar sheet assemblyof FIG. 32, disassembled to show its details.

[0057]FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing a border backing plate ofthe present invention.

[0058]FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing a tenth embodiment of theframe system of the present invention.

[0059]FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing a front body that can behinged on the frame system in FIG. 35.

[0060]FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing a new reinforcement sheet.

[0061]FIG. 38 shows an assembled frame system of the present invention.

[0062]FIG. 39 shows another assembled frame system of the presentinvention.

[0063]FIG. 40 is a schematic drawing explaining an eye movement effectof the present frame system.

[0064]FIG. 41 is a perspective view showing a novel holder of thepresent invention.

[0065]FIG. 42 is a perspective view showing another novel holder of thepresent invention.

[0066]FIG. 43 is a perspective view showing edge glasses and edge sheetsof the present invention.

[0067]FIG. 44 shows a picture sheet and two edge sheets for display inthe 3D frame of the present invention.

[0068]FIGS. 45a and 45 b show two examples indicating that both edgesheets and the main picture can be taken from a single original pictureto produce a wrap-around effect.

[0069]FIG. 46 shows a 3-piece mat set mountable in the 3D frame of thepresent invention.

[0070]FIG. 47 shows a 3D frame with a pre-curved mat plate for holding athree dimensional article.

[0071]FIG. 48 shows a pre-curved backing plate with double sidedadhesive for holding a fabric art.

[0072]FIG. 49 shows a pre-curved backing plate with double sidedadhesive for holding a mesh screen.

[0073]FIG. 50 shows the schematics of a 3D frame for the explanation ofthe curvature radius (R), curve height (CH), and minimum depth (Dmin) ofthe frame rabbet as a function of the frame width (W).

[0074]FIG. 51 is a perspective view, showing a fastening means for the3D Frame of the present invention.

[0075]FIGS. 52a and 52 b are schematic drawings showing a flexiblepre-curved glass and the adjustment of its curvature radius (R).

[0076]FIG. 53 is a perspective view, showing a preview frame whichallows a picture to be viewed for its eye movement effect and 3D effect.

[0077]FIG. 54 is a perspective view, showing the back side of a 3D framewith internal lighting system. FIG. 55 shows the schematics of animproved heat forming unit for making the pre-curved glasses and backingplates of the present invention.

[0078]FIG. 56 is a perspective view, showing the disassembled framecalendar system previously shown in FIGS. 30-34. Several improvementsare incorporated to enable a calendar sheet containing only the calendardate table to be mounted without opening the frame.

[0079]FIG. 57 is a perspective view, showing the details of a springclamp.

[0080]FIG. 58 is an elevational view, showing a horizontal customcalendar sheet and a vertical custom calendar sheet.  50 frame body  52glass  54 calendar sheet  56 calendar sheet  58 calendar sheet  60calendar sheet  62 back member  64 elastic band  65 frame assembly  66custom picture sheet  68 custom picture sheet  70 custom picture sheet 72 frame window  74 back surface  76 rabbet  80 top wall  82 side wall 84 side wall  86 top studs  90 side studs  92 bottom studs  96 calendarpicture illustration  98 calendar date table illustration  100perforation line  102 holes  104 holes  106 bottom edge  120 calendarsheet  122 calendar sheet  124 calendar sheet  126 frame assembly  128back casing  130 frame body  132 mounting holes  134 hinges  136 latch 138 catch  139 frame window  140 glass  142 side studs  144 bottomstuds  146 custom picture sheet  148 custom picture sheet  150 backmember  152 holes  154 wire guard  156 catch  157 dash line  158 springplate  160 horizontal arms  162 vertical arms  164 groove  166 breakawaysection  168 second window  170 tray  172 thumb notch  174 notch  176light adhesive  200 frame assembly  202 back casing  204 frame body  206frame window  208 mounting hole  210 hinges  212 latch  214 catch  216back member  218 calendar sheet  220 custom picture sheet  222 custompicture sheet  224 glass  226 spring wire  227 wire legs  228 fasteners 230 fasteners  232 top stud  234 side studs  236 bottom studs  238 topslot  240 side slots  242 bottom slots  244 rail guard  246 horizontalsection  248 side section  250 end elbow  252 leg  254 dash line  256stops  258 dash line  260 breakaway section  262 indentation line  302frame assembly  304 frame body  306 back casing  307 frame window  308glass  310 top wall  312 side walls  314 hinges  316 spring leaf  318steps  320 custom picture sheet  321 bottom edge  322 breakaway section 324 second window  326 bottom plate  327 notch  328 calendar sheet  329bottom edge  330 clamp  332 bars  334 clearance opening  336 mountinghole  338 calendar sheet  340 calendar book  342 back board  344 tabs 401 frame assembly  402 frame body  404 border sheet  406 border sheet 408 first window glass  410 second window glass  411 back member  412custom picture sheet  414 calendar  417 frame window  418 outer wall 419 top wall  420 side walls  422 bottom walls  423 inner partitioningwall  424 inner top wall  426 inner side wall  427 inner side wall  428inner bottom wall  430 slot hole on bottom wall  432 slot hole on topwall  434 counter recess  440 calendar page  442 calendar page  443upper stack  444 lower stack  445 binding loops  446 holes  448 lips 449 steps  450 outer portion  452 center portion  454 top wall  456side walls  457 mounting hole  458 arms  459 end portion  461 tabs  462spring clip  464 tooth  466 bent end  468 opening gap  469 opening gap 470 tab  471 tab  472 tab  473 tab on second window glass  410  475counter step  477 groove  478 groove  479 groove  480 groove  481 groove 482 groove  483 groove  484 groove  485 groove  486 groove  487 groove 488 groove  489 groove  490 groove  491 groove  492 groove  494 frameborder  495 openings (miniature border windows)  502 frame body  504outer wall  506 inner partitioning wall  508 frame border  510 framewindow  512 top border window  514 side border windows  516 bottomborder window  520 frame body  522 outer frame  524 inner frame  526outer wall  528 outer frame flange  530 studs  532 inner partitioningwall  534 inner frame flange  536 studs  538 frame window  540 borderglass  542 holes  550 frame body  552 center display glass  554 borderdisplay glass  556 partitioning wall  600 frame assembly  602 frame body 604 glass  606 border sheet  607 border mat  608 back member  610support base  612 custom picture sheet  614 calendar sheet  616 outerframe  618 inner frame  620 combined window/border glass  622 holes  624top outer wall  626 side outer walls  628 stud  630 stud  632 stud  634stud  636 frame window  638 frame window glass portion  640 border glassportion  642 connection portions  644 tabs  646 mat openings  648calendar openings  650 perforation line  652 border section  654calendar picture section  656 perforation lines  660 resilient arm  661resilient arm  662 resilient arm  663 resilient arm  664 tabs  666 slotopenings  668 spring clip  670 tooth  672 bent end  674 slot hole  676mounting holes  678 sprint leaf  680 easel plate  682 easel arms  684slots  686 narrow sections  688 horizontal grooves  689 end insert  690slot  692 holes  694 opening  696 runners  698 opening recess  700 driedflower  710 frame assembly  712 front window glass  714 back windowglass  716 reinforced picture  718 reinforcement board  720 photograph 722 support base  724 slot  730 support base  731 frame body, not shown 732 toy building block assembly  734 first toy building block  735second toy building block  736 top wall  738 side walls  740 cylinderstuds  742 internal stud  744 cylinder studs  748 top wall  750 sidewalls  752 cylinder studs  754 internal stud  756 bottom toy buildingblock  760 paper toy figure  762 first half  764 second half  765 creaseline  766 attachment member  768 attachment member  770 boy's hand  772coat  774 holes  776 toy building block  778 cylinder studs  782cylinder studs  784 block  800 frame assembly  802 frame body  804 frameborder  806 frame window  808 top border window  810 side border window 812 bottom border window  814 corner border windows  816 outer wall,not shown  818 inner partitioning wall, not shown  820 border glass  822border sheet  824 first window glass  826 second window glass  828counter step, not shown  830 inner bottom walls, not shown  832horizontal groove, not shown  834 support base, not shown  836 cylinderstuds, not shown  838 support assembly  840 rigid support members  842support building blocks  844 support building plates  846 miniaturetable  848 cylinder studs, not shown  850 internal stud, not shown  851top wall  852 side wall  854 top cylinder studs  856 bottom cylinderstud  858 feed through hole  860 cross slots  862 sea shell  864 seashell  866 sea shell  868 table legs  870 leg stud  872 sea shell  874sea horse  876 flexible wire or string  900 frame assembly  902 framebody  903 first window glass  904 middle section  906 back casing  908second window glass  910 back member  912 calendar  914 mounting hole 916 top wall  918 side wall  920 side wall  922 bottom wall  924 bottomwall  926 frame window  928 sixteen grooves  930 tabs  932 horizontalgrooves  933 resilient arms  934 support base  935 opening  936 runners 937 opening recess  938 spiral ring  940 lip  942 steps  944 backmember walls  946 resilient pad  950 support member  952 molded supportpiece  954 magnetic plate  956 magnet block  958 marked stop position 960 top calendar sheet  962 bottom calendar sheets  970 figurine  972magnetic plate  980 support member  982 suction cups  984 sea shell 1010frame 1012 calendar sheet assembly 1014 frame body 1015 window 1016 backdoor 1018 spring plate 1020 inner spring leaf 1022 outer spring leaf1024 calendar sheets 1026 window glass 1028 slot holes 1030 inner frame1032 L-shaped stud walls 1034 spring clips 1036 calendar picture section1038 calendar date table section 1040 border section 1042 L-shaped slotholes 1044 border backing plate 1046 picture backing plate 1047 step1048 opening 1050 bent section 1060 border backing plate 1062 opening1064 bent section 1066 raised section 1100 frame system 1102 frame body1104 backboard 1106 first transparent plate 1108 second transparentplate 1110 backing plate 1112 magnet 1114 magnet 1116 picture 1118rabbet 1120 frame window 1122 easel 1124 magnetic strip 1126 vinyl tape1128 magnetic sheet 1130 lamination layer 1132 protective sheet 1140front body 1142 flat transparent plate 1144 front body window 1150reinforcement sheet 1152 Mylar sheet 1154 protective sheet 1156 picture1160 frame system 1162 scenery picture 1164 eagle reinforced picture1166 animal figurines 1170 frame system 1172 bridal picture 1174reinforced picture 1180 holder 1182 bolts 1184 stud 1186 channels 1188transparent sheet 1190 magnetic sheet 1192 holder 1193 vertical portion1194 horizontal portion 1195 elbow 1196 channels 1202 pre-curved glass1204 custom picture 1206 pre-curved backing plate 1208 top edge glass1210 bottom edge glass 1214 top edge sheet 1216 bottom edge sheet 1222main picture 1224 3D picture frame 1226 top edge sheet 1228 bottom edgesheet 1230 picture sheet 1231 dancers 1232 floor 1233 wall 1234 top edgesheet 1235 bottom edge sheet 1236 main picture 1237 picture sheet 1238top edge sheet 1239 bottom edge sheet 1240 main picture 1241 3-piece matset 1242 center mat 1244 top edge mat 1246 bottom edge mat 1250 3D framesystem 1252 frame body 1254 flat glass 1256 backing plate, not shown1258 pre-curved mat plate 1260 center opening 1262 lead glass angel 1264blue paper sheet 1270 cross stitching fabric art 1272 pre-curved backingplate 1274 double-sided adhesive 1280 mesh screen 1282 pre-curvedbacking plate 1284 double-sided adhesive 1290 pre-curved glass 1292picture sheet 1294 pre-curved backing plate 1296 3D frame body 1298backboard 1300 pre-curved glass 1302 picture 1304 pre-curved backingplate 1306 3D frame body 1308 strap 1310 Velcro ribbon male 1312 Velcroribbon female 1320 3D frame body 1322 strap, not shown 1330 card boardstrip 1340 pre-view frame 1342 base plate 1344 grooves 1346 grooves 1348poles 1350 top plate 1352 grooves 1354 grooves 1360 3D frame 1362 lightfixture 1364 fluorescent lamps 1366 pre-curved backing plate 1370 heatforming unit 1372 convex mold 1374 concave mold 1376 holder 1378 sideplate 1380 bottom plate 1382 threaded rods 1384 top plate 1386compression spring 1388 washers 1390 nuts 1392 glass sheets 1394 backingplates 1396 flexible steel sheets 1010 frame 1014 frame body 1015 window1016 back door 1018 spring plate 1020 inner spring leaf 1022 outerspring leaf 1024 calendar sheet 1026 window glass 1032 L-shaped studwalls 1036 calendar picture section 1038 calendar date table section1040 border section 1046 picture backing plate 1400 spacer 1404perforation lines 1406 perforation line 1408 border backing plate 1410calendar date table backing plate 1412 spring clamp 1414 magnet blocks1416 magnet blocks 1418 magnet blocks (not shown) 1420 dash linerectangles 1422 horizontal custom calendar sheet 1424 vertical customcalendar sheet 1426 boundary line 1432 clamp base 1434 clamp plunger1436 base handle 1438 straight hole 1440 base plate 1442 plunger handle1444 plunger stem 1446 compression spring 1448 disk 1450 dash line 1452boundary line 1454 dash line 1456 rectangle dash lines 1458 rectangledash lines

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0081]FIG. 1

[0082]FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the frame calendar system ofthe present invention. It consists of a frame body 50, glass 52,calendar sheets 54, 56, 58 and 60, a back member 62 and an elastic band64. The frame body 50, glass 52, back member 62 and the elastic band 64can be grouped together and referred to as a frame assembly 65. Custompicture sheets 66, 68 and 70 are also shown in the figure. These custompicture sheets can be personal photo prints, documents, etc., that donot contain calendar date information. They can be optionally added fordisplay if desired.

[0083] The front side of the frame body 50 is not shown but can be ofany suitable design. Formed within the frame body 50 is a frame window72 through which all pictures are to be displayed. The frame body 50 hasa back surface 74. Also shown on the frame body 50 is a rabbet 76 inwhich the glass 52 is to be placed. The depth of the rabbet 76 is aboutthe same as the thickness of the glass 52 so that the glass 52, onceplace into the rabbet 76, will be flush with the back surface 74 of theframe body 50.

[0084] A top wall 80 and two side walls 82 and 84 are provided which arelargely perpendicular with respect to the back surface 74. No bottomwall is provided which will be clear from the following description. Aneyelet, not shown, can be provided on the top wall 80 for hanging theframe body 50 on a vertical wall.

[0085] Also located on the back surface 74 of the frame body 50 are twotop studs 86, two side studs 90 and two bottom studs 92. All of thesestuds are small rods projecting outward from the back surface 74. Theyare preferably integral part of the frame body 50 and positioned aroundthe frame window 72 largely as shown. The length of each of these studsis approximately the same as or slightly less than the depth of each ofthe top wall 80 and the side walls 82 and 84.

[0086] Four calendar sheets 54, 56, 58, and 60 are shown in FIG. 1, butmore sheets can be provided. The front side of each of these calendarsheets contains a calendar picture illustration 96 and a calendar datetable illustration 98. These two illustrations are separated by aperforation line 100.

[0087] On each calendar sheet there are six holes 102 located near theouter perimeter of the calendar picture illustration 96. These holes 102have hole diameters slightly larger than the diameters of the studs 86,90 and 92 and are engageable with these studs for the mounting of thecalendar sheets 54, 56, 58 and 60 on the frame body 50.

[0088] The back member 62 serves as a backing for the calendar. It has asize similar to that of the calendar picture illustration 96. It alsohas six hole openings 104 to be engaged with the studs 86, 90 and 92 ofthe frame body 50.

[0089] For mounting the calendar sheets on the frame body 50 the framebody 50 is placed on a table with the back surface 74 facing up. Theglass 52 is first loaded into the rabbet 76. The entire stack of thecalendar sheets 54, 56, 58 and 60 is then loaded face down into theframe body 50 as guided by the top wall 80 and the side walls 82 and 84.The back member 62 is next loaded on the top of the calendar sheets.After these loading the six studs 86, 90 and 92 of the frame body 50will be inserted through the holes 102 of the calendar sheets 54, 56, 58and 60 and the holes 104 of the back member 62.

[0090] The elastic band 64 is then installed to secure the assembledcalendar assembly. The elastic band 64 is stretched and wrapped aroundthe exposed portion of the six studs 86, 90 and 92. The friction betweenthe elastic band 64 and the studs will firmly retain the elastic band 64in place. As a result the calendar sheets will be secured by the elasticband 64 and will not slip off the studs during normal use.

[0091] There are many ways to wrap the elastic band 64 around the studs86, 90 and 92. A loop can be formed around one or more studs to furthersecure the mounting of the calendar sheets on the frame body 50. A crosscan also be formed to provide some support to the center portion of thecalendar sheets and the back member 62.

[0092] The use of the elastic band 64 makes the assembly and disassemblyof the frame assembly 65 extremely easy. Such band can be made at lowcost and easily replaced when worn out.

[0093] After the calendar system is assembled it can be hung on avertical wall for display. The calendar picture illustration 96 of thecalendar sheet 54 is properly framed and displayed through the framewindow 72. The calendar date table illustration 98 of the same calendarsheet 54 is also on display, but is exposed below the frame window 72.

[0094] It is clear that the calendar system as described provides animportant advantage over most conventional calendars in that it allowsthe picture portion of the calendar sheets to be framed. It greatlyenhances the aesthetic value of the calendar picture on display. In themean time the calendar date table portion of the calendar sheets ondisplay is exposed beyond the frame window. This arrangement willfacilitate the calendar date checking and memorandum writing on thecalendar sheet without disassembling the frame assembly.

[0095] At the end of each calendar date table period the expiredcalendar sheet is removed. This is done by disassembling the framecalendar in reverse order as the frame assembling procedure describedabove. The expired calendar sheet can be either discarded or placed onthe back of the calendar sheet stack for record keeping.

[0096] It is also possible to renew the calendar date table withoutdisassembling the frame assembly 65. In the assembled and hangingposition the perforation line 100 of each calendar sheet is positionednearly at the same level as the bottom edge of the frame body 50. Thusthe lower half of the calendar sheet containing the expired calendardate table illustration 98 can be torn off along the perforation line100. This will expose the calendar date table illustration 98 of thenext calendar sheet. Of course in this way the calendar pictureillustration 96 of the expired calendar sheet is still to becontinuously displayed.

[0097] Any time during the calendar year a custom picture sheet 66 canbe loaded in front of the calendar sheet 54 and be displayed. Forexample, the frame body 50 can be designed for framing a photo print ofpopular size of 8″×10″ (203 mm×254 mm). This is achieved by providingthe studs 86, 90 and 92 to enclose a rectangular area slightly largerthan 8″×10″ (203 mm ×254 mm).

[0098] To mount the custom picture sheet 66 into the frame body 50 theframe calendar system is first disassembled. The custom picture sheet 66is loaded face down into the area enclosed by the studs 86, 90 and 92.The calendar sheets 54, 56, 58 and 60 and the back member 62 are thenloaded into the frame in the manner previously described. This isfollowed by placing the elastic band 64 as described before.

[0099] The custom picture sheets 68 and 70 can also be loaded in theframe body 50 for storage. They can be loaded either in the order asshown in FIG. 1 or be placed anywhere between the calendar sheet 54 andthe back member 62.

[0100] The ability to display a custom picture in lieu of the calendarpicture adds a very important feature to the present calendar system.One is no longer limited by the pictures selected by the calendarmanufacturer. A custom picture with proper size can be displayed anytime in place of the provided calendar picture. This display can also bechanged as frequently as one would wish.

[0101] One other important feature to be pointed out is that thecalendar system of the present invention provides a convenient way forstoring the custom pictures. A stack of varying number of custom picturesheets can be stored in the frame body 50. The maximum number allowableis only limited by the design of the frame body 50 which requires thatafter all calendar sheets and custom picture sheets are mounted anexposed length of the studs 86, 90 and 92 be available to be engaged bythe elastic band 64.

[0102] After the calendar year with all the expired calendar sheetsremoved, the frame assembly 65 can be converted to a picture frame. Herea picture frame is commonly referred to as a frame with a largelycentered frame window for removably holding a custom picture anddisplaying the custom picture through the frame window. For a pictureframe made of transparent materials such as glass the frame window is nolonger necessary and a glass display area can be provided instead.

[0103] Of course the converted picture frame of the present inventionalso serves as a picture storage device for storing varying number ofpictures. With all calendar sheets removed after the conversion evenmore custom pictures can now be stored in the converted picture frame.

[0104] Obviously, after the calendar year it is also possible that onlythe bottom portion of all calendar sheets containing the calendar datetable illustration 98 be torn off along the perforation line 100. Someor all of the upper portion containing the calendar pictureillustrations 96 can still be stored and displayed in the frame body 50,just like the custom picture sheets 66, 68 and 70.

[0105] The primary function of the frame assembly 65 is to serve as asupport and display means for a calendar. Once the frame assembly 65 isconverted to a picture frame it is no longer a part of calendar system.In the present embodiment there is no physical change required when theframe assembly 65 is converted to a picture frame. But this may not bethe case for frame assemblies to be described in the later section.

[0106] One of the critical elements in the present calendar system is aplurality of studs around the frame window. These studs are sheetsupporting means for supporting and mounting the calendar sheets and thecustom picture sheets on the frame body.

[0107] The support of the custom picture sheets and the calendar sheetsby the studs with the frame assembly vertically mounted are achievedthrough two different mechanisms. As is clear from FIG. 1 the support ofthe custom picture sheets 66, 68 and 70 is achieved by allowing a bottomedge 106 of each of these custom picture sheets rest on the studs 92.The studs 86 and 90 serve to guide the custom pictures in place.

[0108] On the other hand the support of the calendar sheets 54, 56, 58and 60 is achieved due to the presence of the holes 102 which are inhanging engagement with the studs 86, 90 and 92. In this regard theholes 102 can be termed as hanging receiving means while the studs ashanging means. The engagement between the hanging means and the hangingreceiving means of the present invention allows the upper half of thecalendar sheet containing the calendar picture illustration to bedisplayed through the frame window and allows the lower half of thecalendar sheets containing the calendar date table illustration to besupported by suspension and on display below the frame window.

[0109] In FIG. 1 the holes 102 are circular while the studs 86, 90, and92 are in the form of round rods. Certainly, there are many variationson the shape and form of the hanging means and hanging receiving meansof the present invention. In addition to studs, other commonly knownhanging devices that can also serve as the hanging means for the presentapplication may include nails, walls, recess and clamps. In addition toholes, other means such as notches, slots, steps can also be provided onthe calendar for serving as the hanging receiving means for the presentapplication.

[0110] It is clear from the above description a novel calendar system isdisclosed. This calendar system consists of a plurality of calendarsheets and a frame assembly with a frame window. One or more custompicture sheets can be optionally added to this calendar system. Eachsaid calendar sheet contains a calendar date table illustration and acalendar picture illustration. The frame assembly has sheet supportingmeans for removable supporting and mounting each said calendar sheet andcustom picture sheet in the frame assembly, and for simultaneouslydisplaying one said calendar picture illustration through said framewindow and displaying one said calendar date table illustration belowsaid frame window, and alternatively for simultaneously displaying onesaid custom picture sheet through said frame window and displaying onesaid calendar date table illustration below said frame window. After thecalendar year the frame assembly can be converted to and continuouslyused as a picture frame.

[0111] FIGS. 2-3

[0112]FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the frame calendar system ofthe present invention. It consists of a plurality of calendar sheets120, 122 and 124, and a frame assembly 126 which has a back casing 128and a frame body 130. There are two mounting holes 132 on the backcasing 128 for the mounting of the back casing 128 on a vertical wall.The frame body 130 is pivotally mounted with hinges 134 on the backcasing 128 for horizontal rotation therewith. Latch 136 and catch 138are provided for securing the frame body 130 when the frame body 130 isin closed position.

[0113] A frame window 139 is located on the frame body 130. Mounted overthis frame window 139 is a glass 140. Two side studs 142 and two bottomstuds 144 are located on the back side of the frame body 130 as shown.Two custom picture sheets 146 and 148 are optionally included which havebottom edges engageable with the bottom studs 144 for mounting thecustom picture sheets 146 and 148 on the frame body 130.

[0114] The calendar sheets 120, 122 and 124 are similar to the calendarsheets 54, 56, 58 and 60 shown in FIG. 1. The top half of each calendarsheet has a calendar picture illustration while the lower half has acalendar date table illustration. Four mounting holes, not shown, areprovided on each calendar sheet and are engageable with the studs 142and 144 for mounting the calendar sheets 120, 122 and 124 on the framebody 130.

[0115] A back member 150 is also shown which has four holes 152engageable with the studs 142 and 144.

[0116] A wire guard 154 is shown rotatably mounted on the back side ofthe frame body 130. A catch 156 is provided for removable holding thewire guard 154 in a closed position. This wire guard 154 can be rotatedto an open position as illustrated by the dash line 157 for loading orunloading the calendar sheets 120, 122 and 124 and the custom picturesheets 146 and 148.

[0117] When the wire guard 154 is in the closed position as shown in thefigure, all the calendar sheets 120, 122 and 124 and the back member 150can be pulled back and stopped by the wire guard 154. This allows ampleroom immediately in front of the calendar sheet 120 to facilitatemounting, removing or examining the custom picture sheets for displayand storage. A new custom picture sheet can be added for display orstorage by simply inserting it from the top into the space between thecalendar sheet 120 and the glass 140. This is achieved without takingdown the calendar sheets 120, 122 and 124 and the back member 150 fromthe frame body 130.

[0118] Shown in FIG. 3 is a spring plate 158 which is made of resilientmaterials. It has two horizontal arms 160 and two vertical arms 162joined together in the shape of a cross. Each of the vertical arms 162has a groove 164 engageable with the wire guard 154. The spring plate158 can be snapped onto and firmly retained by the wire guard 154 bymomentarily pressing the ends of the vertical arms 162 toward each otherwhile pushing the spring plate 158 toward the wire guard 154. The springplate 158 can be removed from the wire guard 154 by simply pulling itout while momentarily pressing the ends of the vertical arms 162 towardeach other.

[0119] To move all the custom picture sheets and calendar sheets fromthe loosely held position as shown in FIG. 2 into their final mountedposition one simply pushes the custom picture sheets and the calendarsheets along with the back member 150 toward the frame window 139. Thespring plate 158 is next mounted on the wire guard 154. In this mountedposition the horizontal arms 160 of the spring plate 158 will bepartially deformed and in contact with the back member 150. The springforce in the horizontal arms 160 will continuously urge the custompicture sheets and the calendar sheets toward the frame window 139 andenable the first sheet in the stack of custom picture sheets andcalendar sheets to be properly displayed through the glass 140.

[0120] It is also to be noted that the wire guard 154 can be turned tothe open or closed position without removing the spring plate 158 fromthe wire guard 154. The loading and unloading of the calendar sheets andcustom picture sheets can all be done with the wire guard 154 in itsopen position. After loading, the wire guard 154 is simply closed withthe mounted spring plate 158 pushing all custom pictures/calendar sheetsinto their final position for display.

[0121] The lower half of the frame body 130 is termed breakaway orremovable section 166. This section 166 is engageable with the lowerportion of the calendar sheets 120, 122 and 124 that contains thecalendar date table illustrations.

[0122] The breakaway section 166 has a second window 168 through whichthe calendar date table illustration is to be displayed. This window 168elegantly frames the calendar date table illustration display andsignificantly enhances the aesthetic value of the entire calendarsystem.

[0123] The lower end of the breakaway section 166 is a tray 170. Whenmounted the lower end of the calendar sheets 120, 122 and 124 are tuckedin this tray 170 so that the bottom of the calendar sheets will not becurled with frequent use.

[0124] The width of the second window 168 is slightly wider than thewidth of the calendar sheets 120, 122 and 124. A thumb notch 172 islocated on the bottom of each calendar sheet. It is possible to engagethe thumb notch 172 of the calendar sheet 120 by a finger and pull outand lift the calendar sheet 120. This allows the calendar date tableillustration of the calendar sheet 122 to be revealed for examinationwithout disassembling the calendar. After the examination the calendarsheet 120 can be pushed to the back of the second window 168 and tuckedin the tray 170.

[0125] As seen in FIG. 2 a notch 174 is provided on each side betweenthe breakaway section 166 and the upper section of the frame body 130.This makes it easy to break away the breakaway section 166 when it is nolonger needed.

[0126] During the calendar year the frame assembly 126 mainly serves asa component of the calendar system of the present invention. The framewindow 139 is located on the upper portion and not in the center of theframe body 130. After the end of the calendar year with all the calendarsheets removed the breakaway section 166 is no longer needed and can beremoved as just described. This effectively converts the frame assembly126 to a picture frame which has a frame window 139 located in thecenter of this picture frame. From now on this picture frame will besolely used for holding custom picture sheets and displaying a custompicture sheet through the centered frame window 139.

[0127] It is to be noted that the principle of the breakaway section 166is also applicable to the other embodiments of calendar systems of thepresent invention. For example, a breakaway section, similar to thebreakaway section 166 can also be provided and be part of the frame body50 of FIG. 1.

[0128] Also shown in FIG. 2 is a thin layer of light adhesive 176applied to the back side of the calendar sheet 122. This light adhesiveis readily available commercially which when applied as shown, can holda sheet of calendar or custom picture sheet pressed to it. Further more,due to its low adhesiveness, it allows the attached calendar sheet orcustom picture to be easily peeled off without damaging the surface ofthe removed sheet.

[0129] It is preferable that a small area on the back of each calendarsheet be applied with a thin layer of the light adhesive material justdescribed. This allows the calendar sheets to be neatly formed as a padwhich greatly eases the mounting and removal of the calendar sheets atthe end of each calendar date table period.

[0130] After the expiration of the calendar date table period and withthe lower half of the calendar sheet torn off, the upper half with thelight adhesive can be turned over and serve as a mat for holding anddisplaying a small custom picture which otherwise is too small to bemounted in the frame assembly 126. With the light adhesive the custompicture to be displayed can be adhered to the back of the upper half ofthe calendar sheet. This calendar sheet is then loaded in the frameassembly 126 with the adhered custom picture facing the glass 140.Depending on the size of the custom picture and the coated lightadhesive area, it is possible that more than one custom picture can beplaced on a calendar sheet and displayed. The calendar sheet with lightadhesive coating is also suitable for storing such custom pictures whennot on display.

[0131] Obviously, the calendar sheets 54, 56, 58 and 60 of FIG. 1 canalso be applied with a layer of light adhesive in the same manner justdescribed. As a matter of fact, any sheet mountable in the frame body ofthe present invention can be coated with a layer of light adhesive toserve as a picture mat.

[0132] In comparison with the previous embodiment, the present calendarsystem as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 is most suitable for framingcalendar sheets or custom picture sheets of larger size. It enables thechange of the display of the calendar sheets or custom picture sheetswithout taking down the frame from its hanging position. The frame body130 swings horizontally which does not require holding the frame body130 during such change. With the present design, the loading andunloading of custom picture sheets are easily achieved without removingthe calendar sheets. The use of the spring plate 158 will assure allcalendar sheets and/or custom picture sheets properly mounted regardlessof the number of sheets mounted up to the capacity of the frame assembly126. The picture on display will also be properly urged against theglass 140 and the frame window 139.

[0133] FIGS. 4-5

[0134]FIGS. 4 and 5 show a third embodiment of the frame calendar systemof the present invention. This embodiment has the most complicated framestructure among all frames disclosed so far. It is mainly designed forthe storage and display of very large calendar sheets and custom picturesheets. The primary goal is to ease the effort in loading and unloadingthe calendar sheets and custom picture sheets.

[0135] Shown in FIG. 4 is a frame assembly 200 for the present calendarsystem. It has a back casing 202 and a frame body 204 with a framewindow 206. One or more mounting holes 208 are provided on the backcasing 202 for mounting the back casing 202 on a vertical wall andmaking the back casing 202 stationary. The frame body 204 is mounted onthe back casing 202 with hinges 210 and is horizontally rotatable withrespect to the back casing 202. Latch 212 and catch 214 are provided forsecuring the frame body 204 when in closed position.

[0136] A back member 216 serves as the sheet supporting means. Acalendar sheet 218 (shown in FIG. 5), custom picture sheets 220, 222 anda glass 224 can all be mounted on and supported by the back member 216.The back member 216 in turn is mounted on the back casing 202 using along spring wire 226. Only one half of the spring wire is shown in FIG.4 for the sake of clarity since the other half is merely a mirror imageof the first half. The spring wire 226 has two legs 227 which arefastened to the back casing 202 by fasteners 228. The middle section ofthe spring wire 226 has a shape of a “U” and is attached to the backside of the back member 216 by several fasteners 230.

[0137] The spring wire 226 is shaped to support the back member 216 in abottom tilted position when the frame body 204 is open as shown in FIG.4. In this bottom tilted position the back member 216 is tilted with thebottom portion of the back member 216 positioned farther away from theback casing 202 than the upper portion of the back member 216. Thisbottom tilted position is very desirable which greatly facilitates theloading and unloading of the calendar sheets and custom picture sheets.

[0138] A top stud 232, two side studs 234, and two bottom studs 236 arelocated on the upper section of the back member 216. The top stud 232and the side studs 234 can simply be rods extending outward from theback member 216. However, the bottom studs 236 are preferably in theform of plates with wide base for providing better support of the custompicture sheets 220 and 222.

[0139] The glass 224 is preferably made of clear plastics such asacrylics. It is formed with a top slot 238, two side slots 240 and twobottom slots 242 to be engageable with the top stud 232, side studs 234and the bottom studs 236, respectively, for the support of the glass224. It is noted that the front end of the bottom stud 236 is wider thanthe slot 242 and will prevent the glass 224 from slipping off the bottomstuds 236 accidentally.

[0140] Also shown in FIG. 4 is a rail guard 244. This rail guard 244 canbe made of metal rod which is bent to form a horizontal section 246, aside section 248 and a end elbow 250. A leg 252 is also provided, andone end of which is welded to and perpendicular to the side section 248.The other end of the leg 252 is inserted into and rotatably mounted onone side wall of the back casing 202. When the rail guard 244 in notneeded it is rotated to a recessed position inside the back casing 202as indicated by the dash line 254.

[0141] The frame body 204 can be rotated horizontally to an openposition after the latch 212 is separated from the catch 214 of the backcasing 202. Once the frame body 204 is open the back member 216 will beautomatically extended forward to the bottom tilted position justdescribed. At this time the glass 224 and the custom pictures 220 and222 are also tilted and rest on the back member 216.

[0142] The rail guard 244 can be next rotated to a horizontal positionas shown in FIG. 4 with the end elbow 250 stopped by the back casing202. After this the glass 224 can be pulled away from the back member216 and leaned against the horizontal section 246 of the rail guard 244in a top tilted position as shown in FIG. 4. One can now easily flipthrough the stack of the custom picture sheets for examining theinstalled custom picture sheets. A new custom picture sheet can also beinserted into the stack through the clearance between the glass 224 andthe back member 216.

[0143] For mounting a very large custom picture on the back member 216it is preferable that the rail guard 244 be remained at the recessedposition and not to be used. The loading or unloading of custom picturesis achieved by first taking down the glass 224. A custom picture sheetto be displayed is then simply placed on top of the stack of the custompicture sheets already in place. This mounting method will assure bestprotection of the custom picture sheets during loading and unloading ofthe custom picture sheets. After the custom picture sheet is loaded theglass 224 is then reinstalled on the back member 216.

[0144] For the sake of clarity the calendar sheet 218 is not shown inFIG. 4 but is shown in FIG. 5. This calendar sheet 218 and more sheetslike it can be made similar to the calendar sheet 54 of FIG. 1. Fivemounting holes can be provided on the calendar sheet 218 to engage withthe studs 232, 234 and 236 for the support of the calendar sheet 218 onthe back member 216. Obviously the glass 224 must first be taken downbefore the loading and unloading of the calendar sheet 218.

[0145] Once the glass 224, custom picture sheets 220 and 222, and thecalendar sheet 218 are properly mounted on the back member 216, theframe body 204 can be rotated to its closed position as shown in FIG. 5.This is achieved by turning the frame body 204 with the right hand whilethe left hand goes through the frame window 206 and pushes back theglass 224 to its vertical position. The latch 212 is next latched intothe catch 214 which locks the frame body 204 in the closed position.

[0146] With the frame body 204 in the closed position the spring wire226 will be deformed as partially shown in FIG. 5. The stored springforce in the deformed spring wire 226 will constantly urge the backmember 216 toward the frame window 206 with the glass 224 in firmcontact with the frame body 204.

[0147] As shown in FIG. 4 a set of four rotatable stops 256 are mountedon four corners of the back casing 202. These stops 256 canalternatively allow the closing of the frame body 204 to be achieved intwo easy steps. In the first step one hand will push the glass 224 toits vertical position and the other hand will rotate each of the fourstops 256 into positions as indicated by the dash lines 258. This willallow the glass 224 to be held in the upright position by these stops256 after the holding hand is removed from the glass 224. In the secondstep the frame body 204 is closed and latched. As seen in FIG. 5, withthe frame body 204 in the latch closed position the glass 224 is furtherpushed inward slightly and separated from the stops 256.

[0148] The lower half of the back member 216 is a breakaway section 260which is separated from the upper half of the back member 216 by anindentation line 262. The breakaway section 260 is engageable with andin support of the lower half of the calendar sheet 218 containing thecalendar date table illustration. At the end of the calendar year thebreakaway section 260 can be easily broken away from the upper sectionof the back member 216 along the indentation line 262 for converting thepresent frame assembly 200 into a picture frame.

[0149] One major difference between the frame calendar system shown isFIGS. 4 and 5 and the first two frame calendar systems shown in FIGS. 1to 3 is in the design of the sheet supporting means. In the first twoframe calendar systems the studs used for the support of the calendarsheets and custom pictures are located on the frame bodies. On the otherhand, such studs are instead located on the back member of the frameassembly shown in FIG. 4 and 5.

[0150]FIG. 6

[0151]FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the frame calendar system ofthe present invention. In this embodiment a frame assembly is disclosedwhich has two or more distinctively different supporting means. One ofthese supporting means is exclusively for supporting and mounting thecalendar while the second supporting means is exclusively for supportingand mounting the custom picture sheets.

[0152] The major component in the present calendar system is a frameassembly 302 which consists of a frame body 304 and a back casing 306.The frame body 304 has a frame window 307 which is covered by a glass308. A top wall 310 and two side walls 312 are provided in the framebody 304 as shown in the figure.

[0153] The back casing 306 is pivotally mounted with hinges 314 on theframe body 304 for rotation thereof. Latch and catch, not shown, areprovided on the back casing 306 and frame body 304, respectively, forsecuring the back casing 306 when it is in the closed position. A springleaf 316 is attached to the back casing 306 for urging any mountedcalendar or custom picture sheets toward the frame window 307 when theback member 306 is secured in the closed position.

[0154] As seen in FIG. 6 the bottom of each of the side wall 312 isformed into a step 318. These steps 318 are custom picture supportingmeans to be described below.

[0155] Also shown in FIG. 6 is a custom picture sheet 320 optionallyprovided for display in the present frame assembly 302. This custompicture sheet 320 has a width slightly narrower than the inside width ofthe frame body 304 but is wider than the clearance between the two steps318. This enables the custom picture sheet 320 to be mounted in theframe body 304 by simply resting the bottom edge 321 of the custompicture sheet 320 on the steps 318.

[0156] The lower half of the frame body 304 is a breakaway section 322.It has a second window 324 and a bottom plate 326. A notch 327 on eachside of the frame body 304 is provided between the breakaway section 322and the upper section of the frame body 304.

[0157] A calendar sheet 328 is shown in FIG. 6. This calendar sheet 328is made of relatively firm paper materials. It has a calendar pictureillustration and a calendar date table illustration on its front side.The width of this calendar sheet 328 is narrower than the clearancebetween the two steps 318. This will allow the calendar sheet 328 to bemounted in the frame assembly 302 with the bottom edge 329 of thecalendar sheet 328 resting on the bottom plate 326, which in this caseis a calendar supporting means.

[0158] Once the calendar sheet 328 and/or the custom picture sheet 320are properly mounted the back casing 306 is closed. In this mountedposition the calendar picture illustration of the calendar sheet 328 isdisplayed through the frame window 307 while the calendar date tableillustration of the calendar sheet 328 is simultaneously displayedthrough the second window 324. Obviously, if the custom picture sheet320 is also mounted in front of the calendar sheet 328, the presentcalendar system will display the custom picture sheet 320 through theframe window 307 while simultaneously display the calendar date tableillustration of the calendar sheet 328 through the second window 324.

[0159] A clamp 330 is also shown in FIG. 6. It is slidably mounted on apair of bars 332 rigidly attached to the underside of the top wall 310.The handle portion of the clamp 330 is extended above the top wall 310through a clearance openings 334 on the top wall 310. A mounting hole336 is shown on the clamp 330 for vertically mounting the frame assembly302.

[0160] Instead of the calendar sheet 328 and the likes, a calendar sheet338 of different design can also be alternatively mounted in the presentframe assembly 302. Here the clamp 330 is used to hold the calendarsheet 338 by clamping the top portion of the calendar sheet 338. Withthe calendar sheet 338 clamped in place, it can be pushed forward untilthe clamped calendar sheet 338 is stopped at its display position. Theback casing 306 is then closed to complete the assembly.

[0161] Instead of the calendar sheets 328 and 338 a calendar book 340can also be alternatively mounted and displayed in the frame assembly302 of the present invention. This calendar book 340 has a back board342 which is slightly longer than the individual calendar sheets in thecalendar book 340. This calendar book 340 can be mounted in the frameassembly 302 by resting the bottom edge of the back board 342 on thebottom plate 326. Alternatively, the calendar book 340 can also bemounted in suspension by clamping the top portion of the back board 342by the clamp 330.

[0162] It is clear from the above description that the clamp 330 servesas a calendar supporting means for removably supporting the calendarsheet 338 or the calendar book 340 by suspension, and for displaying onecalendar picture illustration through the frame window 307 andsimultaneously displaying one calendar date table illustration throughthe second window 324.

[0163] The width of the second window 324 is slightly wider than thewidth of each calendar sheet of the calendar book 340. This will allowthe page containing the displayed calendar date table illustration to belifted for checking the calendar date table on the next page withoutdisassembling the present calendar system. Two tabs 344 are provided forholding down the sheets of the calendar book 340 in it assembledposition.

[0164] After the end of the calendar year with all the calendar sheetsremoved the breakaway section 322 can be removed along the notches 328.This effectively converts the frame assembly 302 into a picture frame.

[0165] FIGS. 7-12

[0166]FIG. 7 shows an fifth embodiment of the frame calendar system ofthe present invention. It consists of a frame assembly 401 which mayinclude a frame body 402, border sheets 404 and 406, first window glass408, second window glass 410 and a back member 411. One custom picturesheet 412 can be optionally mounted on the present frame calendarsystem. A calendar 414 which is in a book form is also included in thepresent system.

[0167] The frame body 402 can be made from molded plastics or othermoldable materials including metals, glass, etc. It has a frame window417 on which the first window glass 408 is firmly attached. An outerwall 418 which may include a top wall 419, two side walls 420 and twocoplanar bottom walls 422 is provided in the frame body 402. An innerpartitioning wall 423 consisting of an inner top wall 424, two innerside walls 426 and 427, and two coplanar inner bottom walls 428 is alsoprovided which surrounds the frame window 417 as shown in the figure.

[0168] A slot hole 430 is provided on each of the bottom walls 422. Aslot hole 432 is also shown on the top wall 419. A counter recess 434can be provided if desired. This recess 434 and the slot holes 430 and432 are to be engaged with the back member 411 to be described below.

[0169] The calendar 414 is shown in the form of a book which is openableto expose a page 440 containing a calendar picture illustration and apage 442 containing a calendar date table illustration. In this openposition the calendar 414 is divided into an upper stack 443 whichincludes the page 440 and a lower stack 444 which includes the page 442.Two binding loops 445 are provided which can be simply two ribbons goingthrough two holes 446 of each sheet of the calendar 614.

[0170] As seen in the figure each sheet in the calendar book 414 isformed to have a lip 448 and two steps 449 one on each side of the lip448. This lip 448 provides the space for the binding holes 446 so thatwhen the calendar 414 is mounted on the frame body 402 all these bindingholes 446 of the upper stack 443 will be covered and not visible throughthe frame window 417. The two steps 449 of the upper stack 443 areprovided to be rest on the inner bottom walls 428 when the calendar 414is mounted on the frame body 402.

[0171] The back member 411 is preferably made of molded plastics whichcan be mass produced at low cost. It has an overall shape that fits theback side of the frame body 402. An outer portion 450 of the back member411 is flat while a center portion 452 is raised which joins the outerportion 450 through a top wall 454 and two side walls 456. A mountinghole 457 is provided on the center portion 452 for mounting theassembled frame calendar on a vertical wall.

[0172] As seen in the figure there are four resilient arms 458integrally formed on the back member 411. These arms 458 are projectingoutward from the center of the center portion 452. Each of these arms458 is formed at an angle away from the plane of the center portion 452.Each arm 458 has an end portion 459 which is slightly curved as shown.When not pressed the end portions 459 of the four resilient arms 459 arepreferably located on a plane slightly beyond the plane of the outerportion 450.

[0173] A tab 461 is located on the bottom of the back member 411 on eachside of the outer portion 450. A spring clip 462 is integrally formed onthe top of the center portion 452. It has a shape of an inverted “7” asviewed in the figure. A tooth 464 with a slant surface and a bent end466 are located on the top of the spring clip 462.

[0174] The calendar 414 can be mounted on the frame body 402 by simplyplacing the top stack 443 of the calendar 414 into the space enclosed bythe inner partitioning wall 423 of the frame body 402 against the framewindow 417. The back member 411 is subsequently mounted to hold thecalendar 414 in place.

[0175] The back member 411 is mounted by first inserting the two tabs461 of the back member 411 into the slot holes 430 of the frame body402. As the back member 411 is pushed toward the frame window 417 thetooth 464 of the spring clip 462 will be initially stopped at thecounter recess 434 of the frame body 402. A further push of the backmember 411 toward the frame window 417 will cause the spring clip 462 toyield downward and the slant surface of the tooth 464 to slide along thelower edge of the recess 434 until the upper tip of the tooth 464 clearsthe recess 434. The tooth 464 will continue move forward under the pushforce until it drops into the slot hole 432 and locks the back member411 to the frame body 402. To release this lock one can simply push downthe bent end 466 to move the tooth 464 out of the slot hole 432 and atthe same time pull back the whole back member 411 away from the framebody 402.

[0176] As the back member 411 is installed on the frame body 402 the endportions 459 of the resilient arms 458 are in contact with the calendar414 and are pushed back against the spring force of each resilient arm458. This spring force will continuously urge the upper stack 443against the frame window 417 and allow the upper stack 443 to beproperly mounted and the page 440 containing the calendar pictureillustration properly displayed regardless of the number of sheets inthe stack up to the capacity of the frame body 402.

[0177] There are three critical elements in the back member 411 of thepresent invention. These three elements, namely, the tabs 461, thespring clip 462, and the resilient arms 458, are worked in combinationfor the mounting of the calendar 414. During the mounting of thecalendar 414 the tabs 461 of the back member 411 is first engaged withthe frame body 402. The spring clip 462 is next engaged with the framebody 402, during which the resilient arms 458 are deformed against itsspring force and thus urging the mounted upper stack 443 of the calendar414 toward the frame window 417.

[0178] The removal of the back member 411 is achieved by first pressingdown the bent end 466 of the spring clip 462 to release the tooth 464from the slot hole 432 of the frame body 402. At this time the storedspring force in the resilient arms 458 will automatically push the backmember 411 away from the frame body 402 thus facilitating thedisengagement of the spring clip 462 from the frame body 402. The backmember 411 is next lifted to remove the tabs 461 away from the slotholes 430.

[0179] In comparison with the prior arts, the back member 411 of thepresent invention provides following three advantages: 1. Both theinstallation and removal of the back member 411 are achieved in a simpleinsert-and-push or press-and-lift step; 2. The installed back member 411will allow a stack of calendar sheets/custom picture sheets to beproperly mounted regardless of the number of sheets in the stack up tothe capacity of the frame body 402; 3. The one-piece molded back member411 can be mass production at low cost.

[0180] Once the back member 411 is properly mounted on the frame body402 the frame assembly 401 is ready to be mounted on a vertical wall. Inthis mounted position the steps 449 of the upper stack 443 of thecalendar 414 is rest on the inner bottom walls 428 while the lower stack444 of the calendar 414 is hung in free suspension. The calendar pictureillustration on the page 440 will be displayed through the frame window417 and the calendar date table illustration on the page 442 will be infull view beneath the frame body 402.

[0181] The custom picture sheet 412 can also be loaded in front of theupper stack 443 and be displayed through the frame window 417 ifdesired. More custom pictures, not shown, can also be stored in theframe body 402.

[0182] After the end of the calendar year the calendar 414 can beremoved and the frame assembly 401 is converted to a pictureframe/storage device. Obviously more custom pictures can be stored atthis time.

[0183] Upon closer examination, it can be seen that the innerpartitioning wall 423 virtually performs the same function as the studs86, 90 and 92 of the frame body 50 shown in FIG. 1. The inner bottomwalls 428 are engageable with the bottom edge of the custom picturesheet 412 for the support of the custom picture sheet 412 in a mannersimilar to the engagement between the studs 92 and the custom picturesheets 66, 68 and 70 shown in FIG. 1.

[0184] At the same time, these inner bottom walls 428 are alsoengageable with the calendar 414 for the hanging support of the calendar414. In this case the steps 449 of the upper stack 443 can be viewed ashanging receiving means while the inner bottom walls 428 as the hangingmeans. The engagement between the hanging means and the hangingreceiving means allows the upper stack 443 to be supported and mountedin the frame body 402 and the page 440 containing a calendar pictureillustration to be displayed through the frame window 417. This sameengagement also allows the lower stack 444 to be supported by suspensionwith the page 442 containing a calendar date table illustration to bedisplayed below the frame window 417.

[0185] It is also to be noted that an opening gap 468 exists between thetwo coplanar bottom walls 422 and another opening gap 469 exists betweenthe two coplanar inner bottom walls 428. These gaps are provided toaccommodate for the lips 448 and the binding loops 445 of the calendar414. Obviously the size of these gaps will vary depending on the designof the lips and/or the book binding means.

[0186] The first window glass 408 is preferably mounted on the framebody 402 by friction or other suitable means so that the glass 408 canbe made self supporting in place. On the other hand, the second windowglass 410 is structured to be mountable on the frame body 402 at variouspositions depending on the orientation of the entry of the second windowglass 410 into the frame body 402.

[0187] Shown in FIG. 8 is the enlarged elevational view showing aportion of the second window glass 410 as viewed in FIG. 7. This glass410 is preferably molded from transparent materials such as acrylics.There are two tabs 470 and 471 on the right side of the glass 410 andtwo tables 472 and 473 on the left side of the glass 410 as viewed inFIG. 8. It is noted that these four tabs are unsymmetrically located onthe sides of the glass 410.

[0188] Also shown in FIG. 8 is the enlarged perspective view of theinner side walls 426 and 427 as they are cut off from the rest of theframe body 402. Each wall is truncated to form a counter step 475 asshown in the figure. These counter steps can be used for holding acustom relief picture as to be described below.

[0189] There are a total of sixteen grooves molded on the inner sidewalls 426 and 427. As seen in the figure grooves 477, 478, 479 and 480are located on the upper portion of the wall 427 while grooves 481, 482,483 and 484 are located on the lower portion of the wall 427. Similarly,grooves 485, 486, 487 and 488 are located on the upper portion of thewall 426 while grooves 489, 490, 491 and 492 are located on the lowerportion of the wall 426. All these grooves are of the same size exceptfor their depths. The grooves 477, 481, 486 and 490 extend throughoutthe inner side walls 426 and 427 to a depth marked by “A”. The grooves478, 482, 485 and 489 extend to a depth marked by “B”. The grooves 480,484, 487 and 491 extend to a depth marked by “C”. The grooves 479, 483,488 and 492 have the shortest depth as they extend only to a depthmarked by “D”. The position marked by “E” is the depth of the counterstep 475 and is also the starting point of all the grooves.

[0190] The width of the second window glass 410 is designed such thatwhen the glass 410 is mounted in the frame body 402 the tabs 470, 471,472 and 473 of the glass 410 must be seated within the grooves of theinner side walls 426 and 427. When the glass 410 enters the frame body402 in the orientation as shown in FIG. 8, the tabs 470, 471, 472 and473 will be seated within the grooves 477, 481, 486 and 490,respectively. Since these four grooves extend throughout the inner sidewalls 426 and 427 to the depth “A”, the glass 610 can enter all the wayuntil it is stopped and in contact with the first window glass 408.

[0191] The loading of the second window glass 610 in the frame body 602to the depth “A” above-described is suitable for a two-layer displayapplication. For example, a transparent sheet with graphic pattern canbe mounted between the first window glass 408 and the second windowglass 410 while a custom picture or calendar picture is mounted behindthe second window glass 410. In this case the mounted custom picture orcalendar picture is still largely visible except for the portion coveredby the graphic pattern on the transparent sheet. The graphic patternserves to complement and enhance the aesthetical value of the custompicture or calendar picture on display.

[0192] On the other hand, if the glass 410 is rotated to a neworientation different from that shown in FIG. 8 before it enters theframe body 402 the glass 410 will be stopped at different depthsdepending on the exact orientation of the glass 410 during its entry.For example, the glass 410 can be rotated horizontally by 180 degreefrom its original orientation as shown in FIG. 8. Referring to thefigure, after this rotation the right side of the glass 610 will go tothe left, the front side will go to the back and the top side stillstays at the top. When the glass enters the frame body 402 after thishorizontal rotation the tabs 470, 471, 472 and 473 will be seated in thegrooves 485, 489, 478 and 482, respectively. In this orientation theglass 410 will be stopped at the depth marked by “B”. This creates aspace between the first window glass 408 and the second window glass 410when the glass 410 is properly mounted. This created space between thepoint “A” and the point “B” is useful for the mounting and display of athree dimensional object as will be further described below.

[0193] The window glass 410 can also be rotated 180 degree verticallyfrom its FIG. 8 orientation before its entry. Again referring to FIG. 8,after this rotation the top side of the glass 410 will go to the bottom,the front side goes to the back, and the right side still stays at theright. In this case the tabs 470, 471, 472 and 473 will be seated in thegrooves 484, 480, 491 and 487, respectively. The glass 410, onceproperly mounted, will be stopped at the depth marked by “C”.

[0194] The last possible 180 degree rotation of the glass 410 is arotation of 180 degree within the plane of the glass 410. With thisrotation the top side of the glass goes to the bottom, the right sidegoes to the left, and the front side still stays at the front. In thisorientation, the tabs 470, 471, 472 and 473 will be seated within thegrooves 492, 488, 483 and 479, respectively, during the entry of theglass 410. After mounting, the glass will be stopped at the depth markedby “D” which creates a large space between the point “A” and the point“D”.

[0195] In the above three orientations a space of varying depth iscreated between the first window glass 408 and the second window glass410 when the second window glass is mounted on the frame body 402. Thisallows the frame assembly 401 to serve as a display case for displayingone or several three-dimensional objects within the created space. Atthe same time, a custom picture or calendar picture is also displayedbehind the second window glass 410. The displayed custom picture maycontain a narrative describing the object on display or a backgroundpicture complementing the displayed objects. Objects of different sizecan be accommodated by varying the depth of the space between theglasses 408 and 410.

[0196] In the present embodiment, all the grooves are located on theinner side walls 426 and 427. It is also possible to provide grooves onthe inner top wall 424 and the inner bottom walls 428 to support themounting of a glass with different tab design at four different depths.Furthermore, if the inner wall 423 and the matching window glass 410 canbe made circular instead of rectangular as shown in FIG. 8, morevariations in the mounting depth can be achieved with proper design ofthe grooves and the matching tabs.

[0197] In FIG. 7 the part of the frame body 402 surrounding the framewindow 417 and joined the outer wall 418 and the inner partitioning wall423 is termed frame border 494. This frame border 494 can be molded toform some carved art pattern. A small portion of the frame border 494with such a carved art pattern is shown in FIG. 7. In addition to theaesthetic value contributed by this carved pattern, the frame borderwith this pattern is also required to achieve two additional purposes.First, there must be adequate solid branches joining the outer wall 418and the inner partitioning wall 423 to provide adequate strength to theframe body 402. Secondary, it is desirable that many openings 495 beformed in this frame border 494. These openings 495 can have differentsizes and shapes. They are essentially many miniature border windows495, the purpose of which will be clear from the description below.

[0198] The border sheet 404 is shown placed behind the frame border 494and between the outer wall 418 and the inner partitioning wall 423. Thecolor of this border sheet 404 can be in sharp contrast with that of theframe border 494. When placed behind the frame border 494, a portion ofthis border sheet 404 is visible through the many openings or miniatureborder windows 495 of the frame border 494.

[0199]FIG. 7 also shows the second border sheet 406 which has the samesize as that of the border sheet 404 but of different color. As a matterof fact, even more border sheets are desirable so that one border sheetwith a desirable color can be chosen for display to complement thecalendar picture illustration or the custom picture on display. As thecalendar sheet or custom picture sheet on display is replaced by a newone the border sheet on display can also be replaced if desired. This isan interesting and convenient way to change the appearance of the frameassembly 401 to complement the picture on display.

[0200] A stack of border sheets including the border sheets 404 and 406can be easily loaded in the frame body 402 and held in place by the backmember 411. It can also be removed by first taking down the back member411. The calendar 414 must also be removed before the loading andunloading of the border sheets.

[0201] FIGS. 9 to 12 show some variations on the design of the framebody for providing different border appearance. FIG. 9 shows one cornerof a frame body 502 which can be similar to the frame body 402 and canbe used for the mounting and displaying of the calendar 414 and/orcustom picture sheet 412. This frame body 502 can be formed by molding.It consists of an outer wall 504, an inner partitioning wall 506 and aframe border 508. A frame window 510 is formed within the innerpartitioning wall 506 for the display of the calendar 414 and the custompicture sheet 412. Formed in the frame border 508 are one top borderwindow 512, two side border windows 514, and one bottom border window516, not shown. A border sheet similar to the border sheets 404 and 406can be mounted behind the frame border 508 and be displayed through theborder windows 512, 514 and 516. This border sheet can be printed withgraphic pattern to enhance the appearance of the frame body 502. Ofcourse more border sheets can be provided to quickly and easily changethe appearance of the frame body 502 by changing the border sheet ondisplay.

[0202]FIG. 10 shows one corner of a frame body 520 which consists of anouter frame 522 and an inner frame 524 individually formed. The outerframe 522 has an outer wall 526 and an outer frame flange 528 on which aseries of studs 530 are located. Similarly, the inner frame 524 has aninner partitioning wall 532 and an inner frame flange 524 on which aseries of studs 536 are located. Formed within the inner frame 524 is aframe window 538 through which a calendar picture or a custom picturecan be displayed.

[0203]FIG. 11 shows one portion of a border glass 540 of the frame body520. This border glass 540 is preferably molded from a transparentplastics such as acrylics. It has a series of holes 542 of identicalsizes located near its outer edge and inner edge.

[0204] The frame body 520 is assembled by placing the border glass 540on the outer frame flange 528 and the inner frame flange 534 andpressing all studs 530 and 536 into the holes 442 of the border glass540. The press fitting between the studs 530 and 536 and the holes 542will hold the three pieces into an assembled unit.

[0205] Once assembled, one or more border sheets, such as the bordersheets 404 and 406 shown in FIG. 7, but printed with graphic pattern,can be mounted on the frame body 520. Again, the appearance of the framebody 520 can be quickly changed by changing the border sheet on display.

[0206]FIG. 12 shows one corner of a frame body 550 which is moldedentirely from transparent materials such as glass. This frame body 550has a center display glass 552 and a border display glass 554 separatedby a partitioning wall 556. In spite of the fact that no window isprovided in this frame body 550, it can be used for displaying custompicture or calendar picture through the center display glass 552 anddisplaying a border sheet through the border display glass 554 in asimilar manner as the frame body 402 of FIG. 7.

[0207]FIG. 13

[0208]FIG. 13 shows a sixth embodiment of the frame calendar system ofthe present invention. It consists of a frame assembly 600 which mayinclude a frame body 602, glass 604, border sheet 606, border mat 607,back member 608, and support base 610. One custom picture sheet 612 canbe optionally mounted. A calendar sheet 614 is also shown as part of thepresent frame calendar system.

[0209] In construction the frame body 602 is similar to the frame body520 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. It is assembled by joining an outer frame616 and an inner frame 618 by a combined window/border glass 620. Smallholes 622 are shown on the combined window/border glass 620 into whichstuds of the outer frame 616 and inner frame 618, not shown, but similarto the studs 530 in FIG. 10, are inserted for the assembly of the framebody 602.

[0210] The outer frame 616 consists of a top outer wall 624 and two sideouter wall 626. The inner frame 618 has four L-shaped studs 628, 630,632, and 634 at four corners on the back side of the inner frame 618.Enclosed within these four studs is a frame window 636 through which acustom picture or calendar picture can be displayed. There are fourgrooves of different depths on each of these studs. These grooves aresimilar to and serve the same function as the grooves 477 to 492 shownin FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0211] The combined window/border glass 620 is a one-piece plate moldedfrom transparent plastics. It consists of a frame window glass portion638 and a border glass portion 640 interconnected by four connectionportions 642. The frame window glass portion 638 is mounted over theframe window 636. Since the border glass portion 640 is firmly attachedto the outer frame 616 and the inner frame 618, the frame window glassportion 638 will always remain mounted over the frame window 636.

[0212] The mounting of the glass 604 with four unsymmetrical tabs 644 onthe frame body 602 at four possible depths is virtually identical to themounting of the second window glass 410 on the frame body 402 as shownin FIGS. 7 and 8. The supporting of the custom picture sheet 612 on theframe body 602 is achieved simply by resting the bottom edge of thecustom picture sheet 612 on the studs 632 and 634.

[0213] The border sheet 606 is basically similar to the border sheets404 and 406 shown in FIG. 7. The border mat 607 is also a kind of bordersheet with its size same as that of the border sheet 606. The border mat607 is made of non-transparent sheets but with many openings 646. Theseopenings 646 are shown in the shape of cross randomly located on theborder mat 607. These openings are preferably achieved by laser cuttingwhich is known to make very intricate cut patterns on frame mats.

[0214] The border mat 607 and border sheet 606 are mounted together onthe frame body 602 and supported by the studs 628, 630, 632 and 634. Theborder mat 607 is readily visible through the border glass portion 640of the combined window/border glass 620. The border sheet 606 is mountedbehind the border mat 607 and is partially visible through the openings646 of the border mat 607.

[0215] The frame assembly 600 of the present invention may have severalborder mats with a variety of cut patterns and many border sheets withdifferent contrasting colors. The appearance of the frame assembly 600can thus be easily changed by the judicious choice of one bordermat-border sheet pair to be displayed in complementing the displayedcustom picture or calendar picture.

[0216] The calendar sheet 614, which is partially shown, has fourL-shaped openings 648. It can be mounted on the frame body 602 byinserting the studs 628, 630, 632 and 634 through these openings 648 forthe hanging support of the calendar sheet 614. Located on the middlesection of the calendar sheet 614 is a perforation line 650. A calendardate table illustration is printed on the calendar sheet 614 beneaththis perforation line 650 and is displayed below the frame body 602 whenthe calendar sheet 614 is properly mounted on the vertically positionedframe body 602.

[0217] The calendar sheet 614 above the perforation line 650 is furtherdivided into a border section 652 and a calendar picture section 654which two are separated by the four openings 648 and four perforationlines 656. A calendar picture illustration is printed on the calendarpicture section 654 and can be displayed through the frame window 636and the frame window glass portion 638 when the calendar sheet 614 ismounted on the frame body 602.

[0218] The border section 652 of the calendar sheet 614 is mounteddirectly behind the border glass portion 640. This border section 652can have a printed border art pattern which can be displayed tocomplement the calendar picture on display. After the end of eachcalendar date table period with a new calendar sheet displayed, not onlythe calendar picture illustration is changed, the appearance of theframe body 602 will also be changed due to the change of the ordersection 652 on display.

[0219] At the end of the calendar year all the border sections 652 canbe saved by tearing it apart from the rest of the calendar sheet 614along the perforation lines 650 and 656. The saved border sections 652can be continuously used for display to enhance the appearance of thepicture frame and complement the custom picture on display.

[0220] The back member 608 is similar to the back member 411 shown inFIG. 7 but with several improvements. It is preferably made of aone-piece molded plastics for reasons to be disclosed below.

[0221] Located near the center of the back member 608 are four resilientarms 660, 661, 662 and 663. These resilient arms serve the same purposeas the resilient arms 458 shown in FIG. 7, although somewhat differentin their shape.

[0222] A tab 664 is located near the bottom of each side of the backmember 608. These two tabs 664 are to be engaged with two slot openings666 on the two side outer walls 626 of the frame body 602.

[0223] A spring clip 668 is integrally formed as part of the back member608. A tooth 670 and a bent end 672 are located on the top of the springclip 668. This tooth is to be engaged with a slot hole 674 located onthe top outer wall 624 of the frame boy 602. A mounting hole 676 is alsoprovided for hanging support of the assembled frame assembly 600.

[0224] The spring clip 668 will yield against its spring force when aoutside force is applied on the back member 608 during the mounting ofthe back member 608. It is to be noted that in the present embodimentthe yield movement of the spring clip 668 is within a plane in parallelwith the plane of the back member 608. In this way, the spring clip 668will not cause the overall thickness of the back member 608 to besignificantly increased.

[0225] Also integrally formed on the back member 608 are two springleaves 678. The centers of these spring leaves 678 are anchored near thesides of the back member 608. Each arm of the spring leaves 678 isprojecting away from the front side of the back member 608. The end ofeach arm is curved backward to form a smooth contacting surface.

[0226] After placing all the calendar sheets 614, custom pictures sheet612 and the associated components the back member 608 can then beinstalled on the frame body 602. This is achieved by first inserting thetwo tabs 664 of the back member 608 into the two slot openings 666 ofthe frame body 602. As the back member 608 is pushed toward the framewindow 636 the tooth 676 of the spring clip 668 will be initiallystopped at the top outer wall 624. A further push of the back member 608will cause the spring clip 668 to yield downward and the slant surfaceof the tooth 670 to slide along the lower back edge of the top outerwall 624 until the upper edge of the tooth 670 clears this edge. Thetooth 670 will continue move forward until it drops into the slot hole674 and locks the back member 608 to the frame body 602.

[0227] As the back member 608 is installed in the frame body 602 theresilient arms 660, 661, 662 and 663 will be in contact with the custompicture sheet 612 or the calendar sheet 614. The spring leaves 678 willalso be in contact with either the border section 652 of the calendarsheet 614 or the border sheet 606. Depending on the number of sheetsinstalled in the frame body 602 both the resilient arms 660, 661, 662,663 and the spring leaves 678 will be deformed to a various degree. Thespring force in the deformed resilient arms 660, 661, 662 and 663 willcontinuously urge the custom picture sheet 612 and/or the calendarpicture section 654 of the calendar sheet 614 against the frame window636. At the same time the spring force in the deformed spring leaves 678will continuously urge the border mat 607, border sheet 606 and/orborder section 652 against the border glass portion 640 of the combinedwindow/border glass 620. All the calendar sheets 614 and custom picturesheet 612 will be properly mounted regardless of the number of sheetsinstalled up to the capacity of the frame body 602.

[0228] It is interesting to point out that the resilient arms 660, 661,662 and 663 are operated independent from the spring leaves 678. This isimportant since the four resilient arms must be able to yield inresponses to the changing position of the glass 604 without affectingthe operation of the spring leaves 678.

[0229] The removal of the back member 608 is achieved by first pressingdown the bent end 672 of the spring clip 668 to release the tooth 670from the slot hole 674 of the frame body 602. At this time the storedspring force in the resilient arms 660, 661, 662, 663 and the springleaves 678 will automatically push back the back member 602 away fromthe frame body 602 thus facilitating the disengagement of the springclip 668. The back member 608 is next lifted to remove the tabs 664 awayfrom the slot holes 666.

[0230] Also molded on the back member 608 are a easel plate 680 and twoeasel arms 682. One end of each of the easel plate 680 and the easelarms 682 is pivotally connected to the rest of the back member 608. Whenthe frame assembly 600 is supported in a vertical hanging position theeasel plate 680 and the easel arms 682 are not needed and remain in itsnatural position within the plane of the back member 608.

[0231] After the calendar year when the frame assembly 600 is convertedto a picture frame it is sometimes desirable to position the pictureframe on a table in an upright position supported by the easel plate680. This can be easily achieved by pulling one end of the easel plate680 away from the plane of the back member 608 thus forming oneadditional leg for the support of the picture frame in a upright andsomewhat tilted position.

[0232] The easel arms 682 can also be optionally used to lock the easelplate 680 in an extended position. As seen in FIG. 13 the easel plate680 has two slots 684 with their shape as shown in the figure. Each ofthe easel arms 682 has a narrow section 686 which can be momentarilytwisted to make entry into the slots 684. After both narrow sections 686of the easel arms 682 become engaged with the slots 684 the easel plate680 will be held in the extended position indefinitely.

[0233] When the easel plate 680 is not needed for the support of theframe assembly 600 the easel arms 682 can be disengaged from the easelplate 680 by removing the narrow sections 686 out of the slots 684. Theeasel plate 680 and the easel arms 682 are then restored to theiroriginal positions with the plane of the back member 608.

[0234] For most conventional picture frames the easel is a pieceattached to the back of the back member. This makes the overallthickness of the combined back member/easel uneven. When a picture framewith such combined back member/easel is hung on a vertical wall theframe very often can not be evenly positioned.

[0235] On the other hand, in the present invention in which the easel ismade part of the back member as a one-piece molded plastics, no suchunevenness due to the presence of the easel plate 680 and the easel arms682. The frame assembly 600 will always be hung evenly without theinterference of the easel. Of course, by making the back member-easel aone-piece molded plastics considerable cost saving can also be achievedover the conventional approach.

[0236] Also shown in FIG. 13 is the support base 610 which is drawn inenlarged scale to show its details. It can be mounted on the frame body602 for the support and display of a three dimensional object in thespace between the frame window glass portion 638 and the glass 604 whenthe glass 604 is mounted in a spaced apart position.

[0237] As shown in FIG. 13 a horizontal groove 688 is provided at thebottom edge of each of the studs 632 and 634. An end insert 689 is shownon each end of the support base 610. The support base 610 can be mountedby sliding the end inserts 689 into the horizontal grooves 688 and bepositioned between the frame window glass portion 638 and the glass 604.

[0238] A slot 690 nearly running the entire length of the support base610 is provided on the support base 610. A total of six holes 692 arealso shown in the support base 610. Both the slot 690 and the holes 692can be used for the support of a three-dimensional article to bedisplayed.

[0239] The ability of spaced apart mounting of the glass 604 and theprovision of the support base 610 opens up a new use for the frameassembly 600 of the present invention. It allows a three-dimensionalarticle to be displayed along with the display of a custom picture orcalendar picture. The custom picture or calendar picture can be anarrative or background picture complementary of the three-dimensionalarticle on display. Several example illustrating the use of the supportbase 610 will be described below.

[0240] In the present invention the support base 610 is made part of theback member 608. In the plastic molding process the support base 610 ismolded within an opening 694 and separated from the rest of the backmember 608 except for two runners 696 located on the two opposite endsof the opening 694. The support base 610 is carried by the back member608 when not in use.

[0241] The support base 610 can be easily broken away from the rest ofthe back member 608 by breaking the two runners 696. Once removed thesupport base 610 can be readily slid into the horizontal grooves 688 andbe used for the support of a three-dimensional article to be displayedin the frame assembly 600.

[0242] As shown in FIG. 13 an opening recess 698 is also formed in theback member 608. This opening recess 698 is an rectangular opening. Thewidth of this rectangular opening is slightly wider than the width ofthe support base 610. The length of this rectangular opening is aboutthe same as that of the support base 610 not including the two endinserts 689.

[0243] At a later date when the support base 610 is no longer needed andis removed from the horizontal groves 688 the support base 610 can bestored in the back member 608. This is achieved by pushing the supportbase 610 into the opening recess 698. The upper part of the support base610 will be lodged into the opening recess 698 and held in place byfriction between the support base 610 and the 698.

[0244] By making the support base 610 part of back member 608 andproviding a storage place in the back member 608 achieve one importantadvantage. The support base 610 is always securely stored when not inneed and is readily available when needed. Of course by making it partof the back member 608 will also greatly reduce the production cost overmaking one support base separately.

[0245] FIGS. 14-15

[0246]FIG. 14 shows, in enlarged scale, a portion of the frame assembly600 of FIG. 13 for illustrating the use of the support base 610 forsupporting a three-dimensional article to be displayed in the frameassembly 600 along with a custom picture or calendar picture. It is seenin FIG. 14 that the support base 610 is removably mounted on the stud634 of the frame body 602. Its position in the frame body 602 can beadjusted by sliding the base insert 610 along the horizontal grooves 688of the studs 634 and 632.

[0247] Also shown in FIG. 14 is a dried flower 700 with its steminserted into one hole 692 of the support base 610. A custom picturesheet or calendar picture sheet portraying a garden scene, not shown,can be mounted in a manner previously described. This picture of gardenwill then be displayed along with the dried flower 700 through the framewindow 630 and the frame window glass portion 638 of the combinedwindow/border glass 620.

[0248]FIG. 15 shows a portion of a frame assembly 710 which may besimilar to the frame assembly 401 of FIG. 7 or the frame assembly 600 ofFIG. 13. This frame assembly 710 may include a front window glass 712and a back window glass 714 mounted in a spaced apart relationship.

[0249] Also shown in FIG. 15 is a reinforced picture 716 which is placedin the space between the front window glass 712 and the back windowglass 714. This reinforced picture 716 is made by adhering areinforcement board 718 to a photograph 720 or any other suitable means.The cutting of the reinforced picture 716 to an intricate shape istypically achieved by laser cutting known in the prior art.

[0250] The next item to be described is a support base 722 which issimilar to the support base 610 of FIG. 13 and is removably mounted aspart of the assembled frame assembly 710. This support base 722 has aslot 724 which is specially designed for holding the reinforced picture716 in an upright position as shown by firmly inserting the reinforcedpicture 716 into the slot 724.

[0251] A calendar sheet containing a scenery calendar pictureillustration, not shown, may be removably mounted behind the back windowglass 714 in a manner previously described. In the present arrangementthe scenery calendar picture suddenly becomes the background scene tothe reinforced picture 716 which is also on display. This is aninteresting way to add a personal touch to a commodity calendar suppliedby the manufacturer.

[0252] It is noted that the reinforced picture 716 is displayed in frontof the scenery calendar picture and separated from it by the back windowglass 714. This creates a three-dimensional effect which considerablyenhances the aesthetic value of the calendar presentation.

[0253] At the end of the calendar date table period when a new calendarsheet is displayed, the scenery calendar picture illustration on thisnew calendar sheet again becomes the background scene to the samereinforced picture 716.

[0254] Many interesting three-dimensional picture frame presentation canalso be made by displaying a custom picture behind the back window glass714 along with a reinforced picture displayed on the foreground. Forexample, the reinforced picture may show a father playing ball with hislittle boy while the custom picture shows a home backyard with mothersitting and watching.

[0255] In the presentation shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 a three-dimensionalarticle is displayed along with a calendar sheet or custom picture sheetwhich is placed behind and separated from the article by the glass 604or 714. With the frame assembly of the present invention it is alsopossible to display a three-dimensional article and a custom picture ina new way described below. In this way the three-dimensional article is“blended” in the custom picture thus producing an interestingthree-dimensional effect.

[0256] Before installing the three-dimensional article and the custompicture in the frame assembly 600, the first step to be taken is todecide the depth of the field desired. Here the depth of the field isdefined as the distance between the combined window/border glass 620 andthe glass 604. The desired depth of the field can be chosen by properlyorienting the glass 604 during its entry into the frame body 602 asdiscussed above and shown in FIG. 8.

[0257] The picture to be displayed is cut to a size with its width andheight larger than the width and height of the frame window 636 byapproximately twice the depth of the field, respectively. A square iscut off from each of the four comers of the picture. The length of eachside of this square approximately equals to the depth of the field. Thiswill produce a picture with four flaps. These four flaps can be foldedup loosely while allowing the printing on the picture including all fourflaps visible.

[0258] A three dimensional article can be glued to the bottom flap. Nowthe custom picture with the article can be installed in the frame body602. The glass 604 is next installed. This is followed by theinstallation of the calendar sheet 614, if needed, and the back member608.

[0259] After the installation, the custom picture and the article arefirmly held between the combined window/border glass 620 and the glass604 in the frame body 602. Both the article and the custom picture aredisplayed through the frame window 636. Since the article is glued tothe bottom flap which is also part of the custom picture athree-dimensional effect is thus created.

[0260] For article not readily supportable by the custom picture thesupport base 610 can also be used for the support of such article.Obviously, a feed through hole or clearance is required on the bottomflap for such installation.

[0261] FIGS. 16-21

[0262]FIG. 16 to 19 disclose another type of support base for supportinga toy building block assembly and for displaying the toy building blockassembly along with a custom picture or calendar picture.

[0263] Toy building blocks are widely known prior arts. Once theassembling of the toy building blocks is completed it is often desirablethat the toy building block assembly be placed in a display case forlater viewing. It is also desirable that the display of the toy buildingblock assembly be accompanied by the display of a picture complementaryto the toy building block assembly. The frame calendar system of thepresent invention along with the support base shown in FIGS. 16 and 17elegantly accomplishes all these goals at low cost.

[0264] Shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is a support base 730 which can beremovably installed in a frame body 731, not shown, but can be similarto the frame body 602 of FIG. 13. Also shown in FIG. 16 is a toybuilding block assembly 732 resembling a horse.

[0265] Shown in FIGS. 17, 18, and 19 are two commonly known toy buildingblocks 734 and 735. The first toy building block 734 generally has ashape of a rectangular block with a top wall 736 and four side walls738. Two cylinder studs 740 are integrally formed on the outside surfaceof the top wall 736. An internal stud 742 is integrally formed on theinside surface of the top wall 736.

[0266] As seen in FIG. 17 numerous cylinder studs 744 are integrallyformed on the top side of the support base 730. The size of eachcylinder stud 744 are the same as that of the cylinder studs 740. Thespacing between any two adjacent cylinder studs 744 are the same andequal to the spacing between the two cylinder studs 740 of the block734.

[0267] The second toy building block 735 is twice as large as the firstbuilding block 734. It has a square top wall 748 and four identical sidewalls 750. Four cylinder studs 752 are integrally formed on the outsidesurface of the top wall 748. One internal stud 754 is integrally formedon the inside surface of the top wall 748.

[0268] As shown in FIG. 17 the first toy building block 734 can bemounted on the support base 730 with two adjacent cylinder studs 744 ofthe support base 730 inserted into the cavity formed by the side walls738 and the internal stud 742 of the toy building block 734. Similarly,the second toy building block 735 can be mounted on the support base 730with four adjacent cylinder studs 744 of the support base 730 insertedinto the cavity formed by the side walls 750 and the internal stud 754of the toy building block 735.

[0269] Toy building blocks with sizes multiples of that of the toybuilding block 735 can also be similarly constructed as known in theprior arts. These blocks and the toy building blocks 734 and 735 can beassembled into a toy building block assembly 732 as shown in FIG. 16 ormany other interesting figures.

[0270] The mounting of the toy building block assembly 732 on thesupport base 730 is achieved by simply engaging all toy building blocks756 at the bottom of the toy building block assembly 732 with thecorresponding cylinder studs 744 of the support base 730.

[0271] Once mounted, the support base 730 with the installed toybuilding block assembly 732 can be placed in the frame body 731 in amanner similar to the placement of the support base 610 in the framebody 602 of FIG. 13. A glass similar to the glass 604 of FIG. 13 canthen be loaded. This is followed by the mounting of a complementarycustom picture sheet or calendar sheet.

[0272] For a frame calendar having 12 monthly calendar pictureillustration, one unique toy building block assembly can be designed foreach calendar sheet. For example, in one month an instruction is givenfor making an toy building block assembly resembling a sport car, thecalendar picture to be displayed can be a computer graphics-generatedscene showing a desert road loading the toy sport car to a distant magickingdom. In another month when the assembled toy building block is to bea dinosaur the accompanied background calendar picture can show a junglewith many contemporary animals.

[0273] In the above description, a novel frame calendar system withsupport base is disclosed for serving as a display case for a well-knowntoy, toy building block assembly. Furthermore, this frame calendarsystem allows a calendar picture complementary to the toy building blockassembly to be displayed each month along with the toy building blockassembly. Both the calendar picture and the toy building block assemblyare displayed simultaneously through a frame window of the framecalendar system. At the same time a calendar date table illustration isexposed outside the frame window to facilitate calendar date checkingand memorandum writing.

[0274] After the calendar year with all the calendar sheets removed, theframe body 731 can be converted for storing and displaying custompicture sheets. A new toy building block assembly can be constructed anddisplayed along with a custom picture sheet. As taught in the presentdisclosure this custom picture sheet can also be displayed during thecalendar year if desired.

[0275]FIG. 20 shows the same toy building block assembly (toy horse) 732mounted on the support base 730 as in FIG. 16. This figure also shows apaper figure toy 760 resembling a boy riding on the toy horse 732. Theaddition of this paper figure toy 760 will undoubtedly make the overalldisplay much more interesting.

[0276] The paper figure toy 760 can be made of paper or any suitablesheet materials printed with desired image. It is folded into two halves762 and 764, not shown, along a crease line 765. Each of these halvesbears an image of a boy riding on the toy horse 732.

[0277] There are two attachment members 766 and 768 on each of thehalves 762 and 764. These attachment members are engageable with the toybuilding block assembly 732 to allow the paper figure toy 760 to befirmly mounted on the toy horse 732.

[0278] The two attachment members 766 and 768 of the first half 762 arelocated near the boy's hand 770 and the lower corner of the boy's coat772, respectively. The two attachment members 766 and 768 of the secondhalf 764 are also similarly located.

[0279] The details of the attachment member 768 is shown in FIG. 21.This attachment member 768 is a flap adjacent the coat 772. It is foldedat right angle to the coat 772 as shown. There are two holes 774 on thisattachment member 768.

[0280] It is assumed that the construction of the toy horse 732 startsat the bottom. The mounting of the attachment member 768 will take placeafter a toy building block 776, which is to be placed with theattachment member 768, is just assembled. As shown in FIG. 21 themounting of the attachment member 768 is done simply by inserting twocylinder studs 778 of the block 776 through the holes 774 of theattachment member 768. The attachment member 768 of the second half 764is also similarly mounted at this time by engaging it with two cylinderstuds 782 of the block 776. Another block 784 to be assembled on the topof the block 776 is then mounted. This will firmly hold the twoattachment members in place between the two adjacent blocks 776 and 784.

[0281] The two attachment members 766 are later mounted similarly as theassembling of the toy horse 734 progresses. Once the entire assemblingis completed the paper figure toy 760 will be solidly built into the toyhorse 732 and not separable until the toy horse 732 is disassembled.

[0282] In order to enhance the appearance of an toy building blockassembly some plastic figures can be made and added to the assembled toybuilding block as known in the prior arts. In these prior arts, suchplastic figures normally can only be added to the assembled toy buildingblocks after the assembling process is completed. It do not haveattachment members of the present invention which can be sandwichedbetween two adjacent toy building blocks during the assembling of thetoy building blocks.

[0283] The incorporation of one or more attachment members of thepresent invention in a paper figure toy or any paper ornaments allows apaper ornament to be easily assembled into the toy building blockassemblies. Such paper ornaments can be mass produced at low cost. Theuse of paper ornaments with attachment members is most beneficial whenthe final assembly is to be installed in the frame assembly of thepresent invention. In this case the paper ornament, in spite of itsfragile nature, is well protected and less prone to damage during thedisplay.

[0284] FIGS. 22-25

[0285] FIGS. 22 to 25 disclose a novel support assembly that can beinstalled in a frame assembly of the present invention for the supportand display of small articles such as rare coins, sea shells, jewelry,etc. This support assembly is assembled by linking three or more rigidsupport members. Each of these rigid support members has at least oneinsertion element and one receiver element. The insertion element of afirst rigid support member is removably engageable with the receiverelement of a second rigid support member. At the same time the receiverelement of the first rigid support member is also removably engageablewith the insertion element of a third rigid support member. In this waythe three rigid support member are joined together to form a rigidsupport assembly.

[0286] Each rigid support member also has support surface for thesupport and display of small articles. It is also desirable thatspecially designed support means be provided on the rigid supportmembers for securing the small articles in place.

[0287] When three or more rigid support members are joined together toform the support assembly this support assembly will be capable ofsupporting and displaying many small articles in the frame assembly inwhich a calendar picture or custom picture is also to be displayed. Thesize and shape of the support assembly can be varied at will to alloweach displayed article to be positioned at any chosen location adjacentthe scene or narrative in the displayed calendar picture or custompicture that complements the article.

[0288] For purpose of illustration FIG. 22 shows a seventh embodiment ofthe frame calendar system of the present invention. It includes a frameassembly 800 which initially serves to support a calendar of the presentinvention. After the calendar year this frame assembly 800 can beconverted to a picture frame and picture storage device. Furthermore,this frame assembly 800 will also serve as a display case for themounting of the support assembly of the present invention.

[0289] The first element of the frame assembly 800 is a frame body 802.The front portion of this frame body 802 is similar to the frame body502 of FIG. 9. It has a frame border 804 which encloses a frame window806. A top border window 808, two side border windows 810 and a bottomborder window 812 are formed in the frame border 804. Four comer borderwindows 814 are also provided on the four comers of the frame border 804to further enhance the appearance of the frame body 802.

[0290] The back side of the frame boy 802 can be constructed largelysimilar to that of the frame body 402 shown in FIG. 7. This frame body802 may have an outer wall 816 and an inner partitioning wall 818, bothnot shown, but can be similar to the outer wall 418 and innerpartitioning wall 423, respectively, of the frame body 402 as shown inFIG. 7.

[0291] A border glass 820 is provided and placed behind the frame body802 and between the outer wall 816 and the inner partitioning wall 818.One or more border sheets 822 similar to the border sheets 404 and 406of FIG. 7 are also provided which can be loaded behind the border glass820 and be visible through all border windows 808, 810, 812 and comerborder windows 814.

[0292] A first window glass 824 is partially shown in FIG. 22. It isfirmly mounted on the frame window 806 by friction or other suitablemeans. A second window glass 826 is mounted behind and spaced apart fromthe first window glass 824. This can be achieved by resting the secondwindow glass 826 against a counter step 828, not shown, which can besimilar to the counter step 475 of the frame body 402 shown in FIGS. 7and 8. Of course, the space between the first window glass 824 and thesecond window glass 826 can also be made adjustable by providing aplurality of grooves on the inner partitioning wall 818 in a mannersimilar to what described above. The provided space will serve toaccommodate the support assembly to be described below.

[0293] The inner partitioning wall 818 may have two coplanar innerbottom walls 830, not shown, which may be similar to the inner bottomwalls 428 of the frame body 402 shown in FIG. 7. A horizontal groove832, not shown, is provided on the edge of each inner bottom wall 830,in the same manner as the horizontal grooves 688 on the studs 632 and634 shown in FIG. 13.

[0294] A support base 834, not shown, is also provided as part of theframe assembly 800. Numerous cylinder studs 836, not shown, areintegrally formed on the top side of the support base 834 in the samemanner as the cylinder studs 744 on the support base 730 shown in FIG.17. The support base 834 can be slid into the horizontal grooves 832 andbe supported similar to the mounting of the support base 610 in thehorizontal grooves 688 of the frame body 602 as shown in FIG. 14.

[0295] Also shown in FIG. 22 is a support assembly 838. This supportassembly 838 is assembled from numerous rigid support members 840 whichmay include support building blocks 842, support building plates 844,and a miniature table 846, all of which are shown in FIG. 22.

[0296] As shown in FIG. 22 the support building blocks 842 serve as thefoundation to the present support assembly 838. Each of these supportbuilding blocks 842 may have four cylinder studs 848, not shown, and oneinternal stud 850, also not shown, similar to the cylinder studs 752 andthe internal stud 754, respectively, provided in the toy building block735 shown in FIGS. 17 and 19. This will allow the support buildingblocks 842 to be anchored to the support base 834 in the same manner asthe mounting of the toy building block 735 on the support base 730 shownin FIG. 17. Several such support building blocks 842 can be assembledinto a stack of any desired height as shown in FIG. 22.

[0297] In the present invention each of the four cylinder studs 848 isconsidered as an insertion element. These insertion elements areremovably engageable with a second support building block above it byinserting the cylinder studs 848 into the cavity around the internalstud 850 of the second support building block. In this case the cavityis considered as a receiver element.

[0298]FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 show in detail, a portion of the supportbuilding plate 844. This portion is shown consisting of a top wall 851,two side walls 852, four top cylinder studs 854 and one bottom cylinderstud 856, integrally formed together.

[0299] In addition to the above-mentioned components, several moreprovisions are provided on the support building plate 854. One suchprovision is a feed through hole 858 located on the top wall 851. Theother provision is a cross slot 860 on the top of each top cylinder stud854.

[0300] The mounting of a support building plate 844 on a supportbuilding block 842 is achieved by inserting the cylinder studs 848 ofthe support building block 842 into the space between the side walls 852and the bottom cylinder stud 856 of the support building plate 844. Inthis case the cylinder studs 848 are insertion elements while the spacebetween the side walls 852 and the bottom cylinder stud 856 is thereceiver element. Once mounted on the support building block 842, thesupport building plate 844 will serve two important functions. The firstfunction is to allow for the mounting of other rigid support members840. The second function is for the placement of small articles to bedisplayed.

[0301] As shown in FIG. 22 three sea shells 862, 864 and 866 are placedon the three support building plates 844. For simplicity, these seashells can be simply laid on the top surface of the support buildingplates 844. However, for the sake of security, it is recommended thateach sea shell be placed by inserting a portion of the sea shell intothe space between two or more adjacent top cylinder studs 854.

[0302] The support building plate 844 of the present invention is alsosuitable for the support and display of many other collectible articles.A collectible coin can be inserted into a slot of the cross slot 860 ofthe top cylinder stud 854 and be displayed. A plate type item can beinserted into several such slots on adjacent top cylinder studs 854. Acollectible pen can be inserted into one feed through hole 858 of thesupport building plate 844. A pearl can be placed on the center cavityof the cross slot 860. A gold chain can be hung around one top cylinderstud 854 and displayed.

[0303] The cross slot 860 and the feed through hole 858 of the supportbuilding plate 844 are specially designed support means for securing thesmall articles in place. Similar support means can also be provided onthe support building blocks 842 and the miniature table 846.

[0304] The miniature table 846 is a one-piece molded plastics orceramics. It has two or more legs 868. Integrally formed at the bottomend of each leg 868 is a small stud 870. These studs 870 can be insertedinto the center cavity of the cross slot 860 for the support of theminiature table 846 on the support building plate 844.

[0305] Receiver elements, not shown, can be formed on the top of theminiature table 846. These receiver elements can be used to receiveinsertion elements of more support building blocks 842 to expand thepresent support assembly 838, if desired. A sea shell 872 is shown reston the miniature table 846.

[0306] The miniature table 846 is very functional in serving its purposeof supporting a small article for display. But such a support structurecan be made into any artistic shape for enhancing the overall appearanceof the frame display. For example, a miniature figurine can be madeshowing a person holding a tray. This figurine can then be installed onthe support building plate 984 with the tray holding a small article fordisplay. Of course insertion elements and receiver elements can also beprovided on the figurine to make it part of the support assembly.

[0307] Also shown in FIG. 22 is a sea horse 874 which is held insuspension by a flexible wire or string 876. The string 876 is showntied to the support building plate 844. This string 876 is notconsidered as a rigid support member of the present support assembly838.

[0308] One great virtue of the support assembly 838 of the presentinvention is its versatility. It can be assembled from only a few piecesof rigid support members 840 for holding just one or two articles. Itcan also be assembled by as many pieces of rigid support members 840 aspossible within the frame body 802. Its shape can also be varied toadapt to the articles on display.

[0309] In summary, a novel support assembly is disclosed which isassembled from several rigid support members for the support and displayof small collectible articles. This support assembly is removablymountable in a frame assembly of a frame calendar system. Acomplementary custom picture or calendar picture can also be mounted inthe frame assembly behind the support assembly. This allows both thecollectible articles and the complementary custom/calendar picture to bedisplayed simultaneously through the frame window of the frame assembly.

[0310] FIGS. 26-29

[0311] FIGS. 26 to 29 disclose several other types of novel supportmembers of the resent invention. Each of these support members is notintended to form a support assembly as discussed above, but isindividually mountable in a frame assembly of the present invention forthe support and display of a small article. This article is alsodisplayed along with a complementary custom picture or calendar picturemounted in the same frame assembly.

[0312]FIGS. 26 and 27 show an eighth embodiment of the frame calendarsystem of the present invention. It consists of a frame assembly 900which may include a frame body 902, first window glass 903, middlesection 904, back casing 906, second window glass 908 and back member910. A calendar 912 which is in the book from is also included in thepresent system.

[0313] The frame body 902 can be made of any conventional framematerials. The middle section 904 and the back casing 906 are preferablymade of molded plastics. As seen in FIG. 26 the frame body 902 and backcasing 906 are hinged on and rotatable with respect to the middlesection 904. Latches and catches, not shown, but can be similar to thelatch 136 and catch 138 shown in FIG. 2, are provided for individuallylocking the frame body 902 and back casing 906 to the middle section 904in closed positions as shown in FIG. 27.

[0314] One or more mounting holes 914 are provided on the back casing906 for mounting the back casing 906 on a vertical wall. When so mountedboth the middle section 904 and frame body 902 are each rotatable withrespect to the back casing 906.

[0315] The front side of the frame body 902 is not shown but can be ofany conventional design as desired. The first window glass 903 ispermanently mounted over the frame window of the frame body 902.

[0316] The middle section 904 is similar to the portion of the framebody 402 bounded within the inner partitioning wall 423 as shown in FIG.7. This middle section 904 consists of a top wall 916, two side walls918 and 920, and two coplanar bottom walls 922 and 924. Surrounded byall these walls is a frame window 926.

[0317] Just as what shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and described above, thereare a total of sixteen grooves 928 of different depths carved on theinside surface of the side walls 918 and 920. These grooves allow thesecond window glass 908 with four unsymmetrical tabs 930 to bepositioned at four different depths depending on the orientation of theentry of the second window glass 908. Each of the two coplanar bottomwalls 922 and 924 has a horizontal groove 932 which is similar to thehorizontal grooves 688 shown in FIG. 13.

[0318] There are four resilient arms 933 integrally formed on the backcasing 906. These resilient arms 933 are similar to the resilient arms458 shown in FIG. 7 and serve to urge the mounted calendar 912 againstthe frame window 926 when the back casing 906 is locked to the middlesection 904 in the closed position.

[0319] As shown in FIG. 26, a support base 934 is molded as part of theback casing 906. This support base 934 is housed within an opening 935and separated from the rest of the back casing 906 except for tworunners 936 located on the two opposite ends of the opening 935. Anopening recess 937 is also shown on the back casing 906 for storing thesupport base 934 once it is removed from the opening 935 and not in use.

[0320] The calendar 912 is bonded into a book with the use of a spiralring 938. Except for the covers each calendar sheet is presented with acalendar data table illustration on one side and a calendar pictureillustration on the other side. Similar to the calendar book 414 of FIG.7 each calendar sheet of the calendar 912 is also formed to have a lip940 to accommodate the spiral ring 938 and two steps 942 for engagementwith the bottom walls 922 and 924 when the calendar 912 is mounted onthe middle section 904.

[0321] The back member 910 is a molded plastic rectangular plate withfour shallow walls 944 on its four sides. A resilient pad 946 is gluedto the inside surface of the back member 910 as shown in FIG. 27. Thisresilient pad 946 can be made of rubber or soft resilient foam that canyield under pressure and restore to its original shape once the pressureis removed.

[0322] The frame assembly 900, in addition to being a calendar frame,picture frame and picture storage device, will also serve as a displaycase for the support members of the present invention. A support member950 is shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. This support member 950 includes amolded support piece 952 and a magnetic plate 954. The molded supportpiece 952 is preferably molded from plastics. It has a flat top forholding any suitable article to be displayed in the frame assembly 900.Any support means such as holes, slots, etc. can also be molded on thesupport piece 952 for securing the article in place.

[0323] The magnetic plate 954 is attached to the back of the moldedsupport piece 952. This magnetic plate 954 can be an iron plate, whichis strongly magnetic, or can even be a magnet by itself. A thin coatingcan be applied to this plate 954 to prevent corrosion of the plate andto reduce scratch on the second window glass 908 during the contactbetween the glass 908 and the plate 954.

[0324] Also shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 is a small magnet block 956. Thismagnet block 956 is to be used for holding the support member 950 asdescribed below.

[0325] The frame assembly 900, calendar 912 and the support member 950can be assembled by first opening the frame body 902 and the middlesection 904 to the position shown in FIG. 26 with the back casing 906mounted on a vertical wall. The first item to be installed is the secondwindow glass 908. Prior to installation, this glass 908 needs to beoriented to the position shown in FIG. 26 so that after entry the secondwindow glass 908 will be stopped at the position marked as 958 shown inFIG. 27. In this position a tab 930 of the second window glass 908 isengaged with the lowest grooves 928 of the side wall 920 as partiallyseen in FIG. 27.

[0326] The next item to be installed is the calendar 912. Prior toinstallation the calendar 912 is open to expose the calendar date tableto be displayed and the calendar picture opposite to this table. Thecalendar sheet 960 containing this picture shall be the one and the onlyone calendar sheet to be mounted within the middle section 904. Thiscalendar sheet 960 is mounted simply by resting the steps 942 of thissheet on the bottom walls 922 and 924 and pushing the sheet 960 to rightbehind the second window glass 908. All the other calendar sheets 962are simply hung in suspension below the middle section 904.

[0327] While temporarily holding the top calendar sheet 960 against thesecond window glass 908 by the left hand, the right hand can pick up onemagnet block 956 and holds it against the calendar sheet 960 at anypoint on the sheet 960. The left hand is now free which will go aheadpick up a matching support member 950 and place it in front of thesecond window glass 908 near the magnet block 956 in the back of thesecond window glass 908. The magnet block 956 will exert a strongmagnetic force across the calendar sheet 960 and the second window glass908 and hold the support member 950 in place. This magnetic force willalso maintain the calendar sheet in position next to the second windowglass 908.

[0328] While still holding the support member 950 and magnet block 956by the left hand and right hand, respectively, slowly move the supportmember 950 and magnet block 956 in pair until the support member 950 isrest on the desired location in relation to the scene on the exposedcalendar picture. During the above movement the support member 950 andthe magnet block 956 should be pulled apart slightly in order to avoidscratching the second window glass 908 or the calendar sheet 960.

[0329] After the placement of the above support member 950 and magnetblock 956 pair, move such pairs can be placed in the same manner. Onceall placements are completed, the back member 910 is placed behind andnext to the calendar sheet 960. Now the middle section 904 can berotated toward the back casing 906 and locked together.

[0330]FIG. 27 shows what happened when the middle section 904 and theback casing 906 are locked together. Under the pressure from the fourresilient arms 933 the back member walls 944 will be firmly pressedagainst the calendar sheet 960 on its four sides. This will ensure thecalendar sheet 960 be firmly mounted with its calendar pictureillustration properly displayed through the frame window 926.

[0331] The thickness of the magnet block 956 and the resilient pad 946are such that when the back member walls 944 are in contact with thecalendar sheet 960 as above described, the portion of the resilient pad946 in contact with the magnet block 956 will be deformed slightly. Thisdeformation of the resilient pad 946 will help trap the magnet block 956in place against the calendar sheet 960. Consequently, the supportmember 950 will also be positioned firmly and will not easily slide downat a later time.

[0332] It has been suggested that only one calendar sheet 960 beinstalled within the middle section 904. This is to minimize thedecrease of the magnetic force across the second window glass 908.Obviously, more calendar sheets can be allowed as long as the magneticforce applied across the second window glass 908 is still adequate inholding the support member 950 and its load in place.

[0333] At this point the frame body 902 is still open and all theinstalled support members 950 are still exposed. All the articles to bedisplayed can now be placed on the support members 950. The frame body902 is then shut close and locked to the middle section. This completesthe entire assembling procedure.

[0334] After the assembling described above, the frame assembly 900becomes a display case displaying the articles placed on the supportmembers 950. At the same time the calendar 912 is mounted in the frameassembly 900 with one calendar picture illustration complementary to thearticles displayed through the frame window 926. One calendar date tableis also displayed but is exposed below the frame assembly 900 tofacilitate date checking and memorandum writing.

[0335] After the calendar year the calendar 912 can be removed, but anyone calendar sheet can still be mounted on the frame assembly 900 toprovide a background scenery complementing the articles on display.Obviously any custom picture with proper size can also be mounted toserve the same purpose.

[0336] If the frame assembly 900 is not used as a display case it cansimply be a picture frame and picture storage device with large storagecapacity. In this case the second window glass 908 can be reoriented toenter through the deepest horizontal grooves 928. Furthermore, the backmember 910 may even by temporarily removed to further increase thepicture storage capacity.

[0337] Instead of the support member 950 the support base 934 can alsobe used for supporting and displaying three dimensional articles in theframe assembly 900. The support base 934 is easily broken off from thetwo runners 936 and can be slid into the horizontal grooves 932.Articles such as the dried flower 700 and reinforced picture 716 shownin FIGS. 14 and 15, respectively, can all be installed in the supportbase 934 for display in the frame assembly 900 along with the calendar912 or a custom picture.

[0338] It is interesting to note that when the support base 934 is used,the change of articles for display can be achieved without unlocking themiddle section 904 from the back casing 906. All that is needed is toopen the frame body 902 away from the middle section 904 to get accessto the front side of the middle section 904 and the support base 934.

[0339] On the other hand, the change of the calendar sheet or custompicture alone for display can be achieved by just opening the middlesection 904 away from the back casing 906 without unlocking the framebody 902. This is desirable in certain situations. For example, areinforced picture installed on the support base 934 showing a person onthe foreground will remain the same when the calendar picture bearingbackground scenery is changed from month to month.

[0340] The frame assembly 900 also provides ample space for installingother type of support bases such as the support base 730 shown in FIG.16. This support base 730 can be readily slid into the horizontalgrooves 932. It may be necessary that the second window glass 908 bereoriented for its entry in order to provide maximum space foraccommodating the support base 730. A toy building block assembly suchas the toy horse 732 shown in FIG. 16 can then be mounted on thissupport base 730 and displayed in the frame assembly 900 along with acalendar picture or custom picture.

[0341] With a support base similar to the support base 730 installed inthe frame assembly 900 a support assembly such as the support assembly838 shown in FIG. 22 can also be mounted. Small articles such as seashells, pearls, collectable stones, etc. can then be supported on thesupport assembly and be displayed in the frame assembly 900 along withthe complementary custom picture or narrative sheet.

[0342]FIG. 28 shows a small figurine 970 resembling an eagle. It ispreferably made by molding process. Attached to the back of the figurine970 is a magnetic plate 97 in size similar to the magnetic plate 954shown in FIG. 26. This figurine 970, with the help of the magnet block956, will then be able to be mounted on the second window glass 908 inexactly the same manner as the mounting of the support member 950.

[0343] Imagine a picture of American wild west displayed in the frameassembly 900. Mounted near the top of the picture is the eagle 970looming in the sky. Near the bottom is a reinforced picture mounted onthe support base 934 showing a rodent trying to find a place to hidefrom the attacking eagle. The choice of combined display involving acalendar picture or custom picture and one or more articles as taught inthe present invention is indeed limitless.

[0344] Shown in FIG. 29 is a support member 980 having six suction cups982 on its back side. This support member 980 can be mounted on thesecond window glass 908 by firmly pressing the support member 980against the second window glass 908 until most of the air within thecups 982 is expelled. Once the pressing force is removed the vacuumcreated within the cups 982 will firmly attach the support member 980 tothe second window glass 908.

[0345] An article such as a sea shell 984 to be displayed is next placedon the supports member 980. A custom picture or calendar picture is alsomountable in the frame assembly 900 and can be displayed along with thesea shell 984.

[0346] In comparison with the support member 950, the support member 980is even easier to install in the frame assembly 900. However, any slightdefect in the suction cups 982 will cause air to leak in after a longdisplay period. Therefore, such support member 980 is best suited forshort term display or for articles less likely to break if fall.

[0347] FIGS. 30-34

[0348] FIGS. 30-34 show a ninth embodiment of the frame calendar systemof the present invention. It comprises a frame 1010 and a calendar sheetassembly 1012. As seen in FIG. 31, the frame 1010 has a frame body 1014with a window 1015 and a swing type back door 1016. Attached to the backdoor 1016 is a spring plate 1018 which includes four inner spring leaf1020 and four outer spring leaf 1022.

[0349]FIG. 32 shows the calendar sheet assembly 1012 which is assembledand ready to be mounted in the frame 1010. FIG. 33 also shows the samecalendar sheet assembly, but which is disassembled to illustrate thedetails of a stack of calendar sheets 1024 and other components.

[0350] Referring to FIG. 33, a window glass 1026 with four slot holes1028 is shown. Also shown is an inner frame 1030 with four L-shaped studwalls 1032 and four spring clips 1034. This inner frame 1030 can bemounted on the window glass 1026 with the four stud walls 1032 extendedthrough the four slot holes 1028. The four spring clips 1034 will alsoengage with the four slot holes and lock the inner frame onto the windowglass 1026.

[0351] Placed behind the window glass 1026 is a stack of calendar sheets1024. Each of these sheets 1024 has a calendar picture section 1036, acalendar date table section 1038 and border section 1040. A perforationline is located between the border section 1040 and the calendar datetable section 1038. Perforation lines are also located between thecalendar picture section 1036 and the border section 1040. All theseperforation lines are provided to facilitate the separation of all thesesections similar to the perforation lines 656 and 650 shown in FIG. 13.

[0352] Each of the calendar sheets 1024 has four L-shaped slot holes1042. All these calendar sheets 1024 can be mounted behind the windowglass 1026 with the slot holes 1042 engaged with the stud walls 1032 ofthe frame 1030 for hanging the calendar sheets 1024.

[0353] Placed behind the calendar sheets 1024 are one border backingplate 1044 and one picture backing plate 1046. It is preferable thatthese two plates be cut out of a elastic plastic sheet such aspolycarbonate.

[0354] The first thing to be noticed in the border backing plate 1044 isa large opening 1048 cut out of the border backing plate 1044. Thisopening 1048 allows the border backing plate 1044 to clear the four studwalls 1032 of the inner frame 1030 when the border backing plate 1044 ismounted behind the calendar sheets 1024, as seen in FIG. 32.

[0355] As implied by its name, this border backing plate 1044 serves asa backing to the border section 1040 of the calendar sheets 1024. Itwill prevent the appearance of unevenness or wrinkle in the bordersection 1040 when it is mounted behind the window glass 1026 and placedin the frame 1010.

[0356] It is seen in FIG. 32 that the border backing plate 1044 has alength slightly longer than that of the calendar sheets 1024. Alsonotice that it has a bent section 1050 at its bottom. More details willbe disclosed below in connection with the operation of the borderbacking plate 1044.

[0357] The picture backing plate 1046 is simply a rectangular plate madeof plastic sheet or cardboard. It should have a size slightly smallerthan the calendar picture section 1036 and can be fit inside the fourstuds 1032 of the inner frame 1030 when placed behind the calendarsheets 1024.

[0358] After all the components shown in FIG. 33 are assembled into acalendar sheet assembly 1012 as shown in FIG. 32, they can be placed inthe frame body 1014 shown in FIG. 31. The border backing plate 1044 isloosely fit within the rabbet of the frame body 1014. The back door 1016can now be closed and locked which produces a assembled frame calendaras shown in FIG. 30.

[0359] It is to be noticed that when assembled the four stud walls 1032of the inner frame 1030 are inserted into the opening 1048 of the borderbacking plate 1044. As long as the border backing plate 1044 is held inplace in the frame 1010, the inner frame 1030 is also secured inposition. Further more, since the inner frame 1030 is locked into thewindow glass 1026, the window glass 1026 will also be held by the borderbacking plate 1044 when mounted in the frame 1010 vertically. At thispoint, the calendar sheets 1024 are also properly hung on display due tothe engagement between the slot holes 1042 and the stud walls 1032.

[0360] It is clear from the above disclosure that the border backingplate 1044 of the present invention will serve a new function inaddition to being a backing to the border section 1040. When assembledand placed in the frame 1010 the border backing plate 1044 will hold thewindow glass 1026 and the inner frame 1030 in place without falling. Itwill also support the calendar sheets 1024 for display in the frame1010.

[0361] When the back door 1016 is closed the four outer spring leaf 1022will be in contact with the border backing plate 1044, while the innerspring leaf 1020 will be in contact with the picture backing plate 1046.This will allow the border section 1040 and calendar picture section1036 to be urged toward the window glass 1026, independent of eachother, regardless of the number of sheets in each section, up to thecapacity of the frame 1010.

[0362] It is seen in FIG. 32 that the width of the calendar date tablesection 1038 is narrower than that of the border section 1040. This isachieved by providing a step 1047 on each side of the calendar sheet1024. The width of the calendar date table section should also beslightly narrower than that of the window 1015 of the frame body 1014.This is to assure that when mounted in the frame 1010 the calendar datetable section 1038 can be freely turned without opening the frame 1010.Obviously, the length of the calendar date table section must also beshort enough to clear the bottom rabbet of the frame body 1014.

[0363] The depth of the bent section 1050 of the border backing plate1044 is about the same as that of the rabbet of the frame body 1014.When the back door 1016 is closed and locked it will be in contact withthis bent section 1050 and force the bottom of the border backing plate1044 forward toward the rabbet of the frame body 1014. This will allowthe lower half of the border backing plate 1044 to support writing memoon the calendar date table section 1038.

[0364] In FIG. 34, a different border backing plate 1060 is disclosed.Similar to the previous version, this border backing plate 1060 also hasa top opening 1062 and a bent section 1064. The difference is that thelower half of the border backing plate 1060 has a raised section 1066which is achieved by typical sheet forming process.

[0365] As seen in FIG. 34, this raised section 1066 has a raised surfacewhich is more raised toward the bottom of the plate 1060. It isimportant that the raised section 1066 must clear the rabbet of theframe body 1014 when the border backing plate 1060 is mounted in theframe 1010.

[0366] There are several new advantages provided by this improved borderbacking plate 1060. First of all, the raised section 1066 will add somestructure rigidity and thus allow thinner sheet at lower cost to beused. This raised structure will render more support to the writing onthe calendar date table section, and will not cave in easily under thepressure exerted during writing.

[0367] When mounted the calendar date table section should extendslightly below the bottom of the raised section 1066. It is to benoticed that this raised section 1066 will push the mounted calendardate table section forward and away from the frame body 1014. This willfacilitate the grabbing of the top calendar sheet by its bottom edge,for turning the page for date checking.

[0368] The frame calendar system of the present invention as embodied byFIGS. 30-34 allows both the calendar picture 1036 and the date table1038 to be displayed through the frame window 1015. The calendar picture1036 is elegantly frame and protected behind the window glass 1026. Thedate table 1038 is also framed but exposed to facilitate memo writingand page turning.

[0369] At the end of the month, the expired calendar sheet can beremoved after opening the frame 1010. Alternatively, the date table 1038can also be torn off along the perforation line to expose the nextmonth's date table without opening the frame 1010. In this case, thecurrent calendar picture will be continuously displayed for the newmonth.

[0370] With the present frame calendar system any calendar picture 1036can be displayed at any time by simply removing the calendar picture1036 from the calendar sheet along the perforation lines and placing itimmediately behind the window glass 1026. Of course, a custom picture ofappropriate size can also be similarly displayed as taught previously.

[0371] Upon the expiration of the calendar sheet the border section 1040can also be separated from the calendar picture 1036 and date table 1038and stored in the frame 1010. This allows any one border among thestored borders to be chosen for display to complement the displayedcalendar picture or custom picture.

[0372] FIGS. 35-42

[0373] FIGS. 35-42 disclose a tenth embodiment of the frame system ofthe present invention. It embodies a frame system for holding a normallyflat picture sheet and bending it into a one dimensional concavo-convexshape for adding a three dimensional effect to its display. It alsocreates an arch-shaped void space in front of the displayed picture forhousing and displaying a three dimensional articles and/or reinforcedpictures complementary to said first picture. Magnetic means are alsoemployed for magnetically supporting these three dimensional articlesand/or reinforced pictures in the frame system.

[0374] The frame system 1100 shown in FIG. 35 includes a frame body1102, backboard 1104, first transparent plate 1106, second transparentplate 1108, and a backing plate 1110. It may also include one or moremagnets 1112 and 1114. Also shown in FIG. 35 is a flat custom picture1116 to be mounted in the frame system 1100.

[0375] The frame body 1102 has a rabbet 1118 and a largely flat framewindow 1120 through which all pictures are to be displayed. Thebackboard 1104 is hinged on the frame body 1102. It is horizontallyrotatable between an open position as shown in the figure and a closedposition. It can be locked in its closed position using means such aslatch 136 and catch 138 of FIG. 2 or any conventional clip means.Located on the back side of the backboard 1104 is an easel 1122 forplacing the frame system 1100 on a table in a tilted position. Thiseasel 1122 is not shown but can be similar to the easel 680 in FIG. 13.

[0376] The first transparent plate 1106 is a flat rectangular plate. Thesecond transparent plate 1108 has a width and height same as that of thefirst transparent plate 1106 but is curved. It can be made of plasticsthrough conventional molding or plastic thermal curving process. As seenin the figure it has a curvature in the horizontal axis in the shape ofan arc and can thus be termed one-dimensional concavo-convex. Thebacking plate 1110 has a size and curvature largely same as that of thesecond transparent plate 1108.

[0377] It is a simple matter to mount the picture 1116 in the framesystem 1100. One simply holds the first transparent plate 1106, thesecond transparent plate 1108, the picture 1116 and the backing plate1110 as a stack in the order and orientation as shown in FIG. 35. Thestack is then placed in the frame body 1102. The backboard 1104 is nextclosed and locked which completes the picture mounting process.

[0378] Once in the closed position the backboard 1104 will press thebacking plate 1110 forward which in turn will bend the picture 1116until the picture 1116 is bent to the same curvature as that of thesecond transparent plate 1108. This curvature will add a threedimensional effect to the illustration on the picture 1116. This is trueregardless whether the illustration is a scenery or a close up item suchas a bowl of fruits.

[0379] In the above discussion it is required that (1) the picture 1116is a flexible sheet such as a photographic paper; and (2) the thicknessof the stack with the picture is about the same as the depth of therabbet 1118 in the frame body 1102. The second transparent plate 1108and the backing plate 1110 are normally rigid, but also can be somewhatflexible as long as the final thickness of the stack can be made to meetthe above criteria.

[0380] One other interesting effect from the closure of the backboard1104 is the formation of an arch-shaped void space between the flatfirst transparent plate 1106 and the curved second transparent plate1108. This void space is usable for housing a three dimensional articlesuch as a small figurine complementary to the picture on display.Further discussed in the following is a novel magnetic means for holdingsuch a three dimensional article in the void space.

[0381] Referring to FIG. 35, the bottom surface of the rabbet 1118 iscovered by a magnetic strip 1124 which in turn covered by a black vinyladhesive tape 1126. This magnetic strip 1124 is preferably made offerromagnetic material such as iron or steel. The adhesive tape 1126serves to attach the magnetic strip 1124 to the rabbet 1118 and toprotect it from rust and to provide a natural black background.

[0382] The backing plate 1110 is shown made of a curved magnetic sheet1128 which is covered on each side by a lamination layer 1130. Themagnetic sheet is preferably a steel sheet with a thickness of 0.010″(0.25 mm) or less. The lamination layer 1130 can be a conventionaladhesive-coated plastic sheet of 0.003″ (0.076 mm) in thickness. Thelamination layers 1130 serve to protect the magnetic sheet 1128 fromrust. The size of the lamination layer 1130 should be slightly largerthan that of the magnetic sheet 1128 so that all edges of the magneticsheet 1128 are covered by the soft lamination sheets 1130 for easyhandling.

[0383] As stated above, the magnetic sheet 1128 needs to be made curved.Alternatively, if the magnetic sheet 1128 is a full hard cold rolled lowcarbon steel of 0.007″ (0.18 mm) or less in thickness it is quiteflexible. In this case a curved sheet such as a duplicate secondtransparent plate 1108 can be placed behind the magnetic sheet 1128 toforce such curvature on the backing plate 1110 when mounted.

[0384] The magnet 1114 is a commercially available magnet striptypically coated with an adhesive on one side which is covered by aeasily removable protective sheet 1132. This strip can be cut to anylength desired with a scissors. The ceramic magnet block 1112 or magnetdisc, not shown, are generally stronger magnet for its size and arewidely used for craft.

[0385] A three dimensional article such as a figurine of suitable sizecan be displayed in the frame system 1100 by first attaching one or moremagnets 1112 or 1114 to the bottom or back of the article. This articlecan then be placed either on the adhesive tape 1126 or the secondtransparent plate 1108 and be magnetically held by the magnetic strip1124 or the magnetic sheet 1128.

[0386] In the frame system of the present invention the firsttransparent plate 1106 mainly serves to shield and protect the threedimensional article placed behind the first transparent plate 1106. Buton the other hand, there are advantage by not having this firsttransparent plate 1106 at all. In this case, the second transparentplate 1108, the picture 1116 and the backing plate 1110 can just beassembled in one stack and placed in the frame body 1102. The backboard1104 is next closed and locked. This will bend the picture 1116 and restthe second transparent plate 1108 against the rabbet 1118. Consequentlyan arch-shaped void space is again formed between the flat frame window1120 and the curved transparent plate 1108. In this way one can accessthis void space any time through the frame window 1120 for placing andrearranging the three dimensional articles for display along with thedisplayed picture 1116.

[0387]FIG. 36 discloses a front body 1140 which can be hinged on theframe body 1102 in FIG. 35 and be rotatable horizontally with respect tothe frame body 1102 between an open position and a closed position.Carried on this front body 1140 is a flat transparent plate 1142 mountedover a front body window 1144 of the front body 1140. This flattransparent plate 1142 serves as a substitute for the first transparentplate 1106 shown in FIG. 35. Just as the first transparent plate 1106,this flat transparent plate 1142 serves to shield and protect the threedimensional article placed in the frame system 1100. Furthermore, onecan also open the front body 1140 any time to place and rearrange thedisplay of the three dimensional articles without disassembling theframe system 1100. This operation can be achieved even without takingdown the frame system 1100 if it is hung on a wall.

[0388] Disclosed in FIG. 37 is a new type of reinforced picture that canbe easily made for display in the frame system 1100. In this figure anew reinforcement sheet 1150 is shown which can also be supplied as partof the frame system 1100. It is a Mylar sheet 1152 with one side coatedwith a layer of adhesive which is covered by a removable protectivesheet 1154. The Mylar sheet 1152 is chosen for its tough, durable,lay-flat characteristics. Most importantly, it can be easily cut to anyintricate shape with a simple household scissors when its thickness isless than 0.015″ (0.38 mm).

[0389] Also shown in FIG. 37 is a picture 1156 showing an illustrationof an eagle. A reinforced picture of this eagle can be made by firstlifting and cutting off one portion of the protective sheet 1154 toexpose enough area of the adhesive on the Mylar sheet 1152 for thepicture 1156. The picture sheet 1156 is then laid on the exposedadhesive. The reinforced picture of the eagle can now be made by simplycutting along the outline of the eagle using a scissors. Theabove-described eagle reinforced picture is ideally mountable on thesecond transparent plate 1108 of the frame system 1100 with the use ofone magnet block 1112 applied with a layer of adhesive. This magnetblock 1112 can be attached to the back of the reinforced picture and beoriented vertically for mounting on the curved second transparent plate1108. The eagle reinforced picture is now magnetically held anddisplayed in front of the picture 1116. Because of the reinforcementsheet 1150 an eagle illustration is shown firmly flat and spaced apartfrom the picture 1116 which further enhances the three dimensionaleffect of the presentation.

[0390]FIG. 38 shows the first example of an assembled frame system ofthe present invention. This frame system 1160 includes all componentsshown in FIG. 35 and described above. Mounted in this frame system 1160is a scenery picture 1162 which would appear three dimensional if viewedin the actual frame. Also mounted in front of the picture 1162 are aneagle reinforced picture 1164 and several animal figurines 1166. Allanimal figurines 1166 are attached with the magnets 1114 and mounted onthe vinyl tape 1126 and magnetically held by the magnetic strip 1124.The eagle reinforced picture 1164 is made exactly as described above andis mounted on the second transparent plate 1108 and magnetically held bythe backing plate 1110.

[0391] The frame system 1100 of the present invention as demonstrated inthe example shown in FIG. 38 discloses a new three dimensional pictureframe display. It allows a user turn an ordinary flat picture into acurved three dimensional display. In the mean time an arch-shaped voidspace in front of the picture is created for housing one or morefigurines and photo sculptures complementary to the picture. The resultis an interesting three dimensional show. More importantly, thereinforced picture of the present invention can be easily made. Themounting of such reinforced pictures and three dimensional articles canalso be easily achieved.

[0392]FIG. 39 shows another example of the assembled system of thepresent invention. Displayed in this frame system 1170 is a bridalpicture which would appear three dimensional if viewed in the actualframe. Also displayed is a reinforced picture 1174 commemorating such animportant day in her life. This reinforced picture 1174 is attached witha magnet 1112 on its back. It is mounted on the Vinyl tape 1126 and ismagnetically held by the magnetic strip 1124.

[0393] One other interesting effect when the frame assembly is used todisplay a facial portrait is that the eyes on the portrait appear tofollow the viewer as the viewer moves in front of the frame. This effectis explained in FIG. 40. Furthermore, due to the curved display, theimage of the person will appear slightly slimmer.

[0394] One point needs to be made is that for best eye movement effectthe frame should be placed in such a way so that the line of sightbetween the frame and the viewer's eyes is perpendicular to the plane ofthe frame. Since this frame is usually placed on a table at a levellower than that of the viewer's eyes, it is highly recommended that theframe be tilted which makes the easel 1122 of the frame system 1100 verydesirable.

[0395]FIG. 41 discloses an improvement on the frame system 1100 of FIG.35 by providing a novel holder 1180 which can be joined to the backboard1104 of the frame system 1100 using a pair of bolts 1182 or othersuitable means. This holder 1180 is made of a flexible plastic sheetwhich is curved horizontally to an one dimensional concavo-convex shapeas shown in the figure. A small stud 1184 extends downward from theholder 1180 and is bent to a right angle at the end. The ends of twosides of the holder 1180 are curved back to form two vertical andparallel channels 1186.

[0396] Also shown in FIG. 41 are a thin flat and flexible transparentsheet 1188, picture 1116, and a flat and flexible magnetic sheet 1190.All these three sheets are of the same width and length as seen in thefigure. The transparent sheet 1188 will replace the second transparentplate 1108 of FIG. 35. The magnetic sheet 1190 can be a low carbon steelsheet and can replace the backing plate 1128 of FIG. 35.

[0397] Prior to the mounting of the picture 1116 the backboard 1104 isopen to the position as shown in FIG. 35. The first transparent plate1106 is mounted in the frame body 1102 held against the frame window1120. The transparent sheet 1188, the picture 1116 and the magneticsheet 1190 are next gathered as a stack in the order as shown in thefigure. This stack is slid into the two channels 1186 until it isstopped at the stud 1184. At this time the picture 1116, as well as thetransparent sheet 1188 and the magnetic sheet 1190 will be bent to acurvature same as that of the holder 1180.

[0398] At this point any three dimensional articles or reinforcedpicture to be displayed can now be placed either on the vinyl tape 1126to be magnetically held by the magnetic strip 1124 or on the transparentsheet 1188 to be magnetically held by the magnetic sheet 1190. Afterthis the backboard 1104 can be closed and locked which completes themounting process.

[0399] Just before the backboard 1104 is fully closed one side of theholder 1180 will first touch and be stopped by the first transparentplate 1106. Further closing of the backboard 1104 will force the holder1180 to swivel slightly. The holder 1180 and the installed stack willalso be flatten slightly. This will bring both channels 1186 in contactwith the transparent plate 1106 after which the backboard 1104 will becompletely closed.

[0400] After the completion of the mounting process the assembled framesystem is ready for display. It will be seen that the installed picture1116 is curved which imparts a three dimensional effect to theillustration in the picture 1116. The installed three dimensionalarticles or reinforced pictures are also displayed in front of thepicture 1116.

[0401]FIG. 42 discloses another version of the holder of presentinvention. This holder 1192 is made of ferromagnetic metal sheet such asiron or steel and is formed by stamping or other suitable means. It hasa vertical portion 1193 and a horizontal portion 1194. A small elbow1195 integrally joins above two portions. The vertical portion 1193 isstructurally similar to the holder 1180 of FIG. 41. It is curvedhorizontally to an one dimensional concavo-convex shape with twovertical channels 1196 on the two sides. The horizontal portion 1194 isa flat rectangular plate which allows the holder 1192 to stand on atable.

[0402] The transparent sheet 1188 and picture 1116 of FIG. 41 are alsoshown in FIG. 42. The magnetic sheet 1190 of FIG. 41 is no longer neededfor the holder 1192 which is itself magnetic.

[0403] The picture 1116 is mounted by simply inserting the picture 1116,together with the transparent sheet 1188, down the two channels 1196until they are rest on the horizontal plate 1194. After installation,both the picture 1116 and the transparent sheet 1188 will be bent to acurvature same as that of the holder 1192.

[0404] At this point any three dimensional articles or reinforcedpictures to be displayed can now be placed on the horizontal plate 1194or the transparent sheet 1188 and be magnetically held by the holder1192. The assembled holder 1192 can then be placed in the frame body1102 after which the backboard 1104 is closed and locked. The finishedframe system 1100 shall then be ready for display.

[0405] Unlike the holder 1180 which is flexible, the holder 1192 isrigid and fixed in its dimension. In order to fit the holder 1192 snuglyin the frame system 1100 the depth of the holder 1192, plus thethickness of the first transparent plate 1106 if present, shall be equalto the available depth of the rabbet 1118. The width and height of theholder 1192 should also match that of the rabbet 1118 to assure a goodfit.

[0406] One other point needs to be made is that the width of thetransparent sheet 1188 is also very critical for it to be properly bentinto a curvature same as that of the holder 1192. The horizontal widthof the transparent sheet 1188 should be equal to the length of the arcin the holder 1192, as viewed from the top, extending to the ends of twochannels 1196. Too wide the width will cause the transparent sheet 1188to bend out of shape, while too short the width will prevent two ends ofthe transparent sheet 1188 to touch the channels for proper bending.

[0407] Naturally, the width of the picture 1116 should not be too wideto fit into the two channels 1196. However, a narrower picture willstill fit and be properly curved as long as it is sandwiched between thecurved holder 1192 and the curved transparent sheet 1188.

[0408] FIGS. 43-46

[0409] FIGS. 43-46 disclose one more innovative feature in the 3Dpicture frame of the present invention. This feature is schematicallyshown in FIG. 43. In this figure, a pre-curved glass 1202, a custompicture 1204, and a pre-curved backing plate 1206 are intended to bemountable in the frame body 1102 of the frame system 1100 of FIG. 35, inthe same manner as the second transparent plate 1108, picture 1116, andthe backing plate 1110, respectively.

[0410] In addition to the pre-curved glass 1202, there are also tworectangular transparent glass 1208 and 1210 shown in FIG. 43. The glass1208, termed top edge glass 1208, is positioned between the top edge ofthe pre-curved glass 1202 and the top member of the frame body 1102.Similarly, the glass 1210, termed bottom edge glass 1210, is positionedbetween the bottom edge of the pre-curved glass 1202 and the bottommember of the frame body 1102 in the mounted position.

[0411] The remaining two items in FIG. 43 to be described are a top edgesheet 1214 and a bottom edge sheet 1216. The top edge sheet 1214 can beinserted between the top edge glass 1208 and the top member of the framebody 1102. Similarly, the bottom edge sheet 1216 can be inserted betweenthe bottom edge glass 1210 and the bottom member of the frame body 1102.

[0412] It is clear from FIG. 43 and the above description that, oncemounted in the frame body 1102, the top edge sheet 1214 and the bottomedge sheet 1216 are positioned perpendicular with respect to the custompicture 1204. It is also clear that the top edge sheet 1214, bottom edgesheet 1216 and the custom picture 1204 are all visible through theglasses 1208, 1210 and 1202, respectively. The significance of these twofacts will be clear by the three examples shown in FIGS. 44-46 anddescribed in the following discussion.

[0413] In FIG. 44 a picture 1222 of a group of children is displayed ina 3D picture frame 1224. This picture frame 1224 is structurally similarto the frame system 1100 of FIG. 35 and includes the pre-curved glass1202, pre-curved backing plate 1206, and the edge glasses 1208 and 1210as shown in FIG. 43.

[0414] The picture 1222 will be curved when it is sandwiched between thecurved glass 1202 and the backing plate 1206. The very nature of thiscurvature will impart a 3D effect to the picture 1222 mounted in thisframe 1224.

[0415] Composition in a picture may also be employed to enhance its 3Deffect. One good way to achieve this 3D effect is to take a picture of alarge group of people packed together against a structureless backgroundsuch as wall, lawn, sky, etc. The image of these people, when curved upin this 3D frame, will appear to “float” above the background—aninteresting 3D effect.

[0416] Also shown in FIG. 44 are a top edge sheet 1226 and a bottom edgesheet 1228. The top edge sheet is not visible in the frame 1224. The“sky” in the top edge sheet 1226 and the “grass” on the bottom edgesheet 1228, plus the green lawn in the picture 1222 curved around thechildren, create a natural 3D effect.

[0417] Since this grass foreground on the bottom edge sheet 1228 isperpendicular to the children's image in the picture 1222, a sense ofdepth is created which further enhances the 3D feeling in the mind ofthe viewer.

[0418] The contribution of the edge sheets 1226 and 1228 to the overallaesthetic appearance of the picture presentation is also obvious. Aforeground covered by natural “grass” is certainly more appealing thanthe bare frame rabbet.

[0419] The concept of the edge sheet opens up a totally new dimension inthe concept of picture frame. Users will have total freedom in choosingthe two edge sheets to complement the main picture on display.

[0420]FIGS. 45a and 45 b disclose another novel concept in the making ofthe edge sheets. In FIG. 44 the top edge sheet 1226 and the bottom edgesheet 1228 are chosen separately from the main picture 1222. But inFIGS. 45a and 45 b the edge sheets and the main picture can be takenfrom a single original picture sheet.

[0421] The picture sheet 1230 in FIG. 45a shows a group of dancers 1231,a floor 1232, and a wall 1233. A portion of the picture sheet 1230 isshown trimmed off to form a top edge sheet 1234 and a bottom edge sheet1235. The remaining portion of the picture sheet 1230 constitutes themain picture 1236. These edge sheets 1234 and 1235, as well as the mainpicture 1236 can be mounted in the 3D picture frame 1224 in the samemanner as the top edge sheet 1226, bottom edge sheet 1228, and the mainpicture 1222, respectively, as shown in FIG. 44.

[0422] There are several advantages in the use of one single picturesheet to satisfy all the picture needs in the present 3D frame. Thefirst one is the cost economy and convenience. But most importantly, itwill be assured that the obtained edge sheets will more likely match themain picture in color and pattern since they are all obtained from asingle picture sheet.

[0423] There is one other unique advantage associated with the singlesheet concept in the 3D frame of the present invention. Once mounted inthe 3D frame 1224, the dancers 1231 are literally surrounded in threedimension by the same floor 1232 and the same wall 1233 appeared in theedge sheets 1234, 1235 and the main picture 1236. It achieve awrap-around effect which further strengthens the 3D feeling in the mindof the viewer.

[0424] It should be noted that the concepts of the wrap-around effectand depth of the field have been illustrated before in this Applicationin one embodiment in connection with FIGS. 14-15 (p.41, line 19 to p.42, line 3). But the present approach as shown in FIGS. 45a represents adrastic and unobvious improvement over this earlier version. It isclearly more superior in two important aspects. The first one is thecurved image which extends to the entire width of the picture and willachieve more pronounced 3D effect. Obviously, a separate edge sheet ismore easier to make and install. It also enables an edge glass to beplaced between the main picture and the edge sheet and to separate thetwo from each other. Better protection to the edge sheet by the edgeglass is also achieved.

[0425] The picture sheet 1237 shown in FIG. 45b can also be similarlytrimmed to form a top edge sheet 1238, a bottom edge sheet 1239 and amain picture 1240. They can also be mounted in the 3D frame 1224 forachieving wrap-around effect and superb 3D effect.

[0426] Because of the needs for professional lighting and back drop setup, the picture sheet 1237 is more likely obtained in a studio. Manyprofessional cameras generally yield photographs with square or nearsquare formats. Such photographs will be excellent candidates for makingsuch 3D presentation in a frame of rectangular shape.

[0427] Photo matting is widely used in picture framing. A mat with bevelcut opening will enhance the aesthetic appearance of the framed picture.It will also allow a small picture to be mounted in an otherwise largeframe. FIG. 46 discloses a novel 3-piece mat set 1241 that are mountablein the 3D frame of the present invention.

[0428] The present mat set 1241 includes a center mat 1242 which is justlike a conventional mat with a bevel cut opening. It can be sandwichedbetween a curved glass and backing plate of proper size and be curvedwhen mounted in a 3D frame of the present invention. A picture can beattached to the backside of the center mat 1242 and also be curved toexhibit the desired 3D effect and eye movement effect.

[0429] The mat set 1241 in FIG. 46 also includes a top edge mat 1244 anda bottom edge mat 1246. These two edge mats can be mounted in a 3D frameof present invention in the same manner as the edge sheets 1214 and 1216of FIG. 43 mounted in the frame body 1102 of FIG. 35. The edge mats 1244and 1246 are preferably cut from the same mat sheet from which thecenter mat 1242 is also cut. In this way, the two edge mats 1244 and1246 will have the same color and texture as that of the center mat1242. Once mounted, these two edge mats will blend nicely with thecenter mat to enhance the overall appearance of the 3D frame system.

[0430] FIGS. 47-49

[0431] One of the major features in the 3D frame of the presentinvention is the creation of 3D space in the shape of an arch. A threedimensional article such as reinforced pictures 1164 and 1174 andfigurines 1166 can be magnetically held in this 3D space and bedisplayed. In this section several other novel means for holding threedimensional articles of various kind in this 3D space will be disclosed.

[0432]FIG. 47 discloses a novel 3D frame system 1250 which is basicallythe same as the 3D frame system 1100 in FIG. 35 except with some changesfor the purpose of holding a three dimensional article. This 3D framesystem 1250 comprises a frame body 1252, flat glass 1254 and pre-curvedbacking plate 1256, very much like the frame body 1102, firsttransparent plate 1106 and backing plate 1110, respectively, in FIG. 35.

[0433] Also seen in FIG. 47 is a pre-curved mat plate 1258. This matplate 1258 has a center opening 1260 similar to the center mat 1242shown in FIG. 46. But there are two important differences separating themat plate 1258 and the center mat 1242. First, the mat plate 1258 istypically made of plastics such as Acrylic which can be pre-curved bythermal forming process. On the other hand, the center mat 1242 is cutfrom conventional paper mat which can not be pre-curved easily. Thesecond difference is in term of their functions. The center mat 1242 isto be sandwiched between a pre-curved glass and a pre-curved backingplate for displaying a flat sheet held behind the center mat 1242. Onthe other hand, the mat plate 1258 does not require a pre-curved glasson its front because the mat plate 1258 is pre-curved by itself forholding a three dimensional article, the details of which is to bedescribed in the following discussion.

[0434] Held behind the mat plate 1258 is a three dimensional articlewhich in this case is a lead glass angel 1262 mounted on a blue papersheet 1264. Since the blue paper sheet 1264 is pressed between thepre-curved mat plate 1258 and the pre-curved backing plate 1256, it willalso be curved and form a curvature same as that of the mat plate 1258.The mounted lead glass angel 1262, because of its physical dimension,will clear and extend beyond the center opening 1260 toward the framewindow of the frame body 1252. In this way, the lead glass angel 1262will be largely held within the arch-shaped 3D space between the flatglass 1254 and the mat plate 1258.

[0435] The mat plate of the present invention will have broadapplication for holding sheets with relief arts or supported threedimensional objects. However, in order to operate this mat plate 1258successfully, several criteria must be observed. First, the sheet heldby the mat plate 1258 must be flexible in order to be pushed back forcreating the needed 3D space. Obviously, the size of the relief art orthree dimensional objects must be small enough to clear the centeropening of the mat plate. The depth of the relief art or objects mustnot exceed that of the created 3D space.

[0436] For the present discussion, fabric arts generally refer to anyarts employing fabric sheet as its substrate or supporting sheet. Thismay include commonly known oil or Acrylic paintings on canvas, and crossstitching, needlepoint, or embroidery on cotton or synthetic fabricsheets.

[0437] Many such fabric arts will need framing for their proper display.It is difficult to frame such fabric arts due to its softness nature. Itis also often required that no intimate contact on its front surface toa glass sheet be allowed.

[0438]FIG. 48 discloses one novel means for supporting and displayingsuch fabric arts in the 3D frame of the present invention. This wouldenable the 3D effect or eye movement effect to be achieved in suchfabric arts. It would also create needed 3D space for the proper displayof certain fabric arts.

[0439] In FIG. 48 a cross stitching fabric art 1270 is shown adhered toa pre-curved backing plate 1272 with the use of a double-sided adhesive1274. This fabric art 1270, with the backing plate 1272, can be mountedin the frame body 1102 of FIG. 35 and displayed behind the flat glass1106.

[0440] The backing plate 1272 is similar to the backing plate 1206 inFIG. 43. It is made of plastic sheet and is thermally formed to adesired curvature. The double-sided adhesive 1274 is preferably a rubberbased pressure sensitive adhesive. The adhesive may include a foam layerwhich adds some softness to the contact and helps smooth out someunevenness typically found on the back side of the cross stitching artsheet 1270.

[0441] One major advantage in the use of the pre-curved backing plate1272 with double sided adhesive 1274 is to ensure that the entire backsurface of the soft fabric art 1270 is adhered to the backing plate 1272and thus conformed to the curvature of the backing plate 1272. This isimportant for achieving the desired 3D effect and eye movement effect.

[0442] Since the fabric art 1270 is closely adhered to the backing plate1272, a well defined arch-shaped 3D space is created between the fabricart 1270 and the flat glass 1106. This 3D space is especially desirablefor some fabric arts such as ribbon embroidery which needs considerableamount of clearance in front of the art sheet.

[0443] The use of rubber based adhesive also has one advantage ofallowing most fabrics to be removably adhered to the backing plate 1272.This is desirable during the initial mounting process for adjusting thepositioning of the fabric art 1270. This fabric art 1270 can also beeasily removed later from the backing plate 1272 when it is no longerneeded for such display.

[0444] For certain fabric arts such as oil canvas painting it ispossible to mount the blank canvas sheet on the backing plate 1272before the painting process. This blank canvas supported by the backingplate 1272 can be readily held steadily on a conventional easel standfor the painting work. This means that the painting is done on apre-curved canvas sheet. It is desirable since the canvas sheet does nothave to be curved again after painting and can be readily mounted in a3D frame for display.

[0445]FIG. 49 shows a sheet of conventional mesh screen 1280 which isreferred to as plastic canvas in the trade. It is made of soft plasticsand may have ten or less mesh per inch (2.54 cm). It serves as asubstrate for yarn needlepoint. But it can also be used for holding anyobjects such as dried flowers that can be fastened onto the mesh screen1280 with one or more pieces of twisted wires.

[0446] Also seen in FIG. 49 is a novel pre-curved backing plate 1282with a layer of double-sided adhesive 1284. This backing plate 1282,similar to the backing plate 1206 in FIG. 43, is mountable in a 3D framesuch as the frame body 1252 in FIG. 47. It is placeable behind the flatglass 1254 for forming an arch-shaped 3D space between the flat glass1254 and the backing plate 1282.

[0447] Once the mesh screen 1280 is loaded with yarn needlepoint orother art objects it can be attached to the backing plate 1282 with thehelp of the double-sided adhesive 1284. The mesh screen 1280 will beconformed to the curvature of the backing plate 1282. This in turn willyield adequate 3D space to accommodate the installed art objects oncethe backing plate 1282, along with the mesh screen 1280, is mountedbehind the flat glass 1252 in the frame body 1252.

[0448] The mesh screen 1280 is a flat and flexible plastic sheet. It ispossible with the present teaching, that a mesh screen made of hardplastics such as ABS can be molded with a predetermined curvature forthe present application. No pre-curved backing plate would be needed.Once loaded with are objects, this mesh screen can be directly mountedin the 3D frame body 1252 for display.

[0449]FIG. 50

[0450] In this section a brief discussion on the curvature of the glass1108 and backing plate 1110 of FIG. 35 will be made. In order to achievethe most ideal 3D effect, and more critically, the eye movement effect,the degree of the curvature of the glass must be carefully chosen. Withinadequate glass curvature the eye movement effect may not be easilynoticeable. On the other hand, with too much of the glass curvature, theimage of the person in the picture may begin to show some distortion.

[0451]FIG. 50 shows the schematics of a curved glass 1290, a picturesheet 1292, and a curved backing plate 1294 resting on a 3D frame body1296. A backboard 1298 is also shown closing off the frame body 1296.Also marked in the figure are several terms which are defined as follow:

[0452] R=Curvature Radius; radius of the inside surface of the glass1290 or the backing plate 1294, indicating the curvature of the glass1290 or backing plate 1294.

[0453] W=Width of the frame body 1296, or the curved glass 1290.

[0454] CH=Curve Height which is calculated based on the terms R and W.

[0455] Dmin=Minimum Depth of the frame rabbet which is equal to the sumof the thickness of the glass 1290, picture sheet 1292, and backingplate 1294, plus the curve height.

[0456] AL=Arc Length; the length of the glass before it is curved.

[0457] It is found that the ratio of the curvature radius (R) to theframe body width (W) generally stays constant for ideal 3D effect or eyemovement effect regardless of the 3D frame size. For a 3D frame withW=8″ (20.3 cm), the ideal curvature radius (R) was experimentally foundto be 13″ (33 cm) for achieving satisfactory eye movement effect.Therefore, the curvature radius can be expressed as a function of theframe body width (W) as follow:

R=(13/8) W=1.625 W (for eye movement effect)  (1)

[0458] Referring to FIG. 50, the curve height (CH) of the glass 1290 isexpressible in the following formula:

(R−CH)²+(0.5 W)² =R ²  (2)

[0459] Combining the equations (1) and (2) the following equation can bededuced.

CH=0.079 W (for eye movement effect)  (3)

[0460] The arc length (AL) is related to the curvature radius accordingto the following equation.

AL=0.6255 R (for eye movement effect)  (4)

[0461] For a given frame body width (W), the critical dimensions of the3D frame (R, CH, AL) for achieving satisfactory eye movement effect cantherefore be determined based on the equations (1), (3) and (4). Thefollowing table lists such dimensions for three commonly used 3Dportrait frames for achieving satisfactory eye movement effect. FrameArc Body Width Curvature Radius Curve Height Length W R CH AL  8″ (20.32cm) 13″ (33.02 cm) 0.632″ (1.61 cm)  8.13″ (20.65 cm) 11″ (27.94 cm)17.88″ (45.42 cm)   0.869″ (2.21 cm) 11.18″ (28.41 cm) 16″ (40.64 cm)26″ (66.04 cm) 1.264″ (3.21 cm) 16.26″ (41.31 cm)

[0462] The curvature radius (R) required for best 3D effect is generallysmaller than that for eye movement effect. This means that for a givenframe body width (W) the glass must be more curved for achievingdesirable 3D effect than that for the eye movement effect.

[0463] It was discovered that for a frame body width (W) of 10″ (25.4cm), the required curvature radius (R) for the pre-curved glass orbacking plate is also 13″ for achieving satisfactory 3D effect.Therefore, the required curvature radius (R) can be expressed as afunction of the frame body width (W) as follow:

R=(13/10)W=1.3 W (for 3D effect)  (5)

[0464] The equation (2) is also applicable here which, when combinedwith the equation (5), will yield the following equation.

CH=0.1 W (for 3D effect)  (6)

[0465] The arc length (AL) is also related to the curvature radius (R)by the following equation.

AL=0.79 R (for 3D effect)  (7)

[0466] The equations (5) to (7) will provide a guide for thedetermination of the critical dimensions (R, CH, AL) of the 3D frame forachieving satisfactory 3D effect. The following table lists suchdimensions for three commonly used 3D landscape frames for achievingsatisfactory 3D effect. Frame Curve Body Width Curvature Radius HeightArc Length W R CH AL 10″ (25.4 cm) 13″ (33.02 cm) 1.0″ 10.26″ (26.06 cm)(2.54 cm)  14″ (35.56 cm) 18.2″ (46.23 cm)   1.4″ 14.37″ (36.5 cm) (3.56 cm) 20″ (50.8 cm) 26″ (66.04 cm) 2.0″ 20.53″ (52.15 cm) (5.08 cm)

[0467] It should be pointed out that the equations (1) and (5) onlyprovide a guideline for the design of 3D frames in achievingsatisfactory eye movement effect and 3D effect. The exact choice of mostsuitable value of R must also be dependent on two other factors whichare difficult to generalize.

[0468] The first factor of concern is the difference in perception ofthe eye movement effect and 3D effect by each individual viewer. It ispossible that a picture mounted in a 3D frame may show a great eyemovement effect or 3D effect to a first viewer, while fails to impress asecond viewer under the same condition.

[0469] The second factor to be considered is the size of the criticalimage in the picture in relation to the width of the frame body (W). Thecritical image refers to the image in the picture to be viewed andjudged for its eye movement effect or 3D effect.

[0470] For example, the picture in FIG. 39 is to be viewed for its eyemovement effect. The critical image will be the lady's face. In the caseof FIG. 45b which is to be viewed for its 3D effect. The critical imagewill be the image of the two persons in the picture.

[0471] Generally speaking, for a given 3D frame, the larger the criticalimage in relation to the width of the frame, the more pronounced theachieved eye movement effect or 3D effect will be. If a person's imagein a picture is too small, it is suggested that the picture be croppedto yield a smaller picture. This smaller picture can then be mounted ina smaller 3D frame which will come with its own set of R and CH values,more suitable for bringing out the desired eye movement effect or 3Deffect.

[0472] In view of the above-mentioned factors, the preferable curvatureradius (R) for eye movement effect or 3D effect in most case would bewithin the 30% range from the value indicated by the equation (1) or(5), respectively. It can be expressed mathematically by the followingtwo equations.

1.14 W<R<2.11 W (for eye movement effect)  (8)

0.91 W<R<1.69 W (for 3D effect)  (9)

[0473] It is also preferable that the curvature radius (R) beindividually set within this 30% range to fit each viewer's owncircumstance.

[0474]FIG. 51

[0475]FIG. 51 discloses a novel fastening means for the 3D frame of thepresent invention. In this figure a stack of pre-curved glass 1300,picture sheet 1302, and pre-curved backing plate 1304 is shown placed ina 3D frame body 1306. Also shown in this figure is a strap 1308 whichmay include a pair of Velcro ribbons 1310 and 1312 with one ends of saidribbons secured to two opposing inside walls of the 3D frame body 1306.

[0476] It is important that the anchoring ends of each Velcro ribbon bepositioned as close as possible to the edge of the backing plate 1304along its straight side. This will ensure that the strap 1308 willtightly wrap around the curved backing plate 1304 from edge to edge tosecurely fasten the stack to the 3D frame body 1306.

[0477] Velcro is a trade name of a hook fastener commercially availablefrom Velcro USA, Inc., Manchester, N.H., USA. There are two parts toeach Velcro strap. The first part is the male part which consist of alayer of closely packed hook-like fiber. The second part is the femalepart which has a layer of closely packed loops. When the two parts arepressed together many hooks will enter the loops and thus lock the twoparts together. The strap can be untied by simply pulling one part upand away from the other part. With enough length for overlap the twoparts can overlap at any point thus allowing the tightness of the strapeasily adjustable.

[0478] Obviously, with the present teaching many other types of strapscan also be adopted. This may include a conventional two-ring bucklethat allows a ribbon to be locked between the two rings. Snap-on typebuckle is also an acceptable choice.

[0479] The unique advantage in the use of strap 1308 as opposed to anyconventional clip-type stops for the present 3D frame system is that thesoft ribbon in the strap will tightly wrap around the entire length ofthe curved backing plate from one straight side edge to the other. Thiswill prevent the entire stack from popping loose or out of positionduring shipping or heavy handling.

[0480]FIGS. 52a and 52 b

[0481] The curved glass of the present invention is preferably made ofAcrylic sheet which is available commercially in non-glare grade whichwould eliminate most glare in the present 3D frame system. At adequatethickness the Acrylic sheet can be heat treated to form a rigid curvedglass for the present application. But for the sake of cost economy athinner thickness at 0.060″ (0.15 cm) or less is preferable. One otherreason for this choice is that the formed Acrylic sheet is flexiblewhich has some advantages as will be clear in the following discussion.

[0482]FIG. 52a shows the same curved glass 1290, picture sheet 1292, andbacking plate 1294, rested on a 3D frame body 1320 whose width (W) isslightly wider than that of the 3D frame body 1296 of FIG. 50. It isassumed that the curved glass is made of Acrylic sheet of 0.060″ (0.15cm) thick or less and is flexible. The picture sheet 1292 is assumed tobe flexible. The backing plate 1294 can also be flexible if it is madeof Acrylic sheet or other plastic material such as high impactpolystyrene (HIPS) of thickness of 0.060″ or less.

[0483] Also installed, not shown in the figure, in the frame body 1320is a strap wrapped around this stack of the curved glass 1290, picture1292, and backing plate 1294, all of which are considered flexible. Andownward force applied by the strap will collapse the stack and cause itto spread out to fill the entire width of the 3D frame body 1320. Thisis a convenient way to reduce the curvature of the curved glass 1290 andbacking plate 1294. It also illustrates a new use of the present novelstrap means for adjusting the curvature of the curved glass.

[0484]FIG. 52b again shows the same stack of the curved glass 1290,picture sheet 1292, and backing plate 1294, resting on the same 3D frame1296 of FIG. 50. This figure also shows a cardboard strip 1310 insertedto each side of the stack. Since this stack is flexible as assumedbefore, it can be easily squeezed to reduce its width (W) and increaseits curve height (CH). This is a convenient way to increase the eyemovement effect or 3D effect on the displayed picture 1292. A strap isnot shown, but also can be included to hold down the stack and fasten itto the 3D frame body 1296.

[0485] It should be noted that the above described method for adjustingthe curvature of the curved glass 1290 and backing plate 1294 isrecommended only for making small adjustment. Such adjustment by bendingor depressing the curved glass will mainly change the curvature in themiddle section and will cause the curved glass to be out of round. Thiswill consequently distort the observed image in the picture. For makinglarge change of the curvature a new curved glass and backing plate withdifferent curvature radius (R) must be made.

[0486] In a rare occasion even a flat but flexible glass and backingplate can be bent to fit into a 3D frame body and fastened by a strap.Referring to FIG. 52a the pre-curved glass 1290 and pre-curved backingplate 1294 can be replaced by a normally flat but flexible glass andbacking plate, both of which will be bent to fit into the 3D frame body1320. This approach is useful but is not recommended in general becausesuch glass and backing plate are very likely out of round and mayproduce unpleasant distorted image. However, for very large 3D frameswith width exceeding several feet this approach may become acceptable asthe image distortion problem using 0.060″ Acrylic sheet becomes lesssevere while the normal approach of making pre-curved glasses is gettingmore expensive.

[0487]FIG. 53

[0488]FIG. 53 shows a fixture or preview frame 1340 which allows apicture to be viewed for its eye movement effect and/or 3D effect. Ithas a base plate 1342 shown with two grooves 1344 and 1346 withdifferent curvatures. Two poles or threaded rods 1348 are mounted on thebase plate 1342. Also shown in the figure is a top plate 1350 which hastwo holes for the poles to penetrate there through and for the top plate1350 to slide along the poles 1348. Means such as nuts or clips, notshown, may also be included for holding the top plate 1350 at a desiredheight above the base plate. There are also two grooves 1352 and 1354 onthe top plate which are mirror images of the two grooves 1344 and 1346,respectively, on the base plate.

[0489] The picture to be viewed can be sandwiched between a glass and abacking plate. The entire stack is inserted into one of the grooves onthe base plate 1342. The top plate 1350 is then lowered to engage withthe stack and firmly hold the stack between the top plate 1350 and thebase plate 1342 for viewing.

[0490] It is interesting to note that the preview frame 1340 can also beused to hold a blank canvas adhered to a pre-cured backing plate. Themounted unit can be used for later painting work. Upon completion, thefinished art can be transferred to a 3D frame for display.

[0491] A supporting sheet such as the paper sheet 1264 of FIG. 47 andmesh screen 1280 of FIG. 49 can also be similarly mounted between twopre-curved mat plate 1258 of FIG. 47. Double-sided adhesive can beapplied to one or both pre-curved mat plates 1258 and bind thesupporting sheet into a single unit. This unit is then mounted on thefixture 1340 for relief art work, dried flower arrangement, etc., thatmay require access to both sides of the supporting sheet. Uponcompletion, the finished art work, along with the two mat plates 1258,can be removed from the fixture 1340 and mounted in a 3D frame fordisplay.

[0492]FIG. 54

[0493]FIG. 54 discloses another innovative improvement in the present 3Dframe system. Because of the need of high rabbet depth there is no easylighting condition that can make the entire display area equallyvisible. The most difficult area is near the top center of the picturewhich is often covered in the shadow of the top frame moulding.

[0494]FIG. 54 shows the back side of a 3D frame 1360 of the presentinvention with its backboard removed. Mounted on each of the two insidevertical walls of the 3D frame 1360 is a light fixture 1362 with afluorescent lamp 1364. Also shown in the 3D frame 1360 is a pre-curvedbacking plate 1366 which is preferably made of white translucentmaterial such as Acrylic sheet so that the light from the lamp 1364 willbe diffused to cover the entire picture uniformly.

[0495] With the present lighting system the picture in the 3D frame 1360will always be properly lighted regardless of the surrounding lightcondition. Furthermore, this unique 3D frame may even serves as a roomlight source under certain condition.

[0496]FIG. 55

[0497]FIG. 55 discloses the schematics of an improved heat forming unit1370 for making the curved glasses and curved backing plates of thepresent invention. In spite of its low cost of manufacturing it iscapable of producing large number of curved sheets with good quality.

[0498] The central components of the present heat forming unit 1370 is aconvex mold 1372 and a matching concave mold 1374. Both these molds arepreferably machined from aluminum block for better heat conductivity.The width of these molds can be slightly less than the width of the 3DFrame (W) while the radius of the curved surface is designated byequation (1) or (5) depending on the type of the effect to be desired.

[0499] The convex mold 1372 and concave mold 1374 are shown placed in aholder 1376 which includes two side plates 1378 and a bottom plate 1380firmly joined together. The distance between the two side plates is setto be the same as the 3D frame's inside width (W). For best heatconductivity, these plates are also preferably made of aluminum.

[0500] Also shown in the figure are two threaded rods one on each sideof the molds 1372 and 1374. These rods are threaded into the twothreaded holes on the bottom plate 1380. A top plate 1384 is also shownwhich has two clearance holes for inserting the threaded rods 1382 therethrough. A compression spring 1386, washer 1388, and a nut 1390 areengaged with each rods 1382 as shown in the figure.

[0501] Before loading, the convex mold is removed from the holder 1376.The compression spring 1386, washers 1388 and nuts 1390 are alltemporally removed from the threaded rods 1382. At this time only theconcave mold is placed in the holder 1376 and centrally positionedbetween the two threaded rods 1382.

[0502] The flat glass sheets 1392 and flat backing plates 1394 to bethermal formed must be cut to predetermined size for the 3D framechosen. They are alternately loaded into the holder 1376 one sheet at atime. This will assure that each matching pair will have the samecurvature and to avoid any miss match due to possible variation on thecurvature from batch to batch.

[0503] It is important that upon loading, each sheet must beindividually pressed down and bent to a curvature similar to that of theconcave mold 1374. The sheet will stay curved once the pressing hand islifted. This is important since it would be very difficult to bend alarge stack of flat sheets at a later time due to the friction betweenadjacent sheets. The side of each loaded sheet must be in touch withboth the side plates 1378 and the sheet beneath it. The presence of gapbetween two adjacent sheets at either side indicates that the linerlength of the sheet must be trimmed before further proceeding. On theother hand, the sheet with inadequate linear length will not stay curvedIt is not unusual that after ten or more pairs are loaded, some smallgap may exist in the middle section. This gap will be mostly eliminatedlater when pressure is applied. Several sheets of flexible steel 1396are also optionally added to the top and bottom of the loaded pack.These sheets will provide a smooth surface in contact with the glasssheet and backing plate.

[0504] Once the sheet loading is completed, the convex mold 1372 can beplaced on top of the stack. The top plate 1384, springs 1386, washers1388 can now be slid down along the threaded rods 1382. The nuts 1390are then applied and threaded down along the rods 1382. Furthertightening the nuts will compress the compression springs 1386 and closedown the gap existed in the middle section.

[0505] The completed unit can now be placed in an oven. For Acrylicsheets a temperature set at 200 degree Fahrenheit for 2 hours isadequate but shorter duration is still possible.

[0506] As the glass sheets 1392 and backing plate 1394 are heated theybecome soften and pressed down by the compression springs 1386. Anypreviously existed gap will now be closed off. Any stress existed in theglass sheets 1392 and backing plates 1394 will now be relieved. At thispoint, all the glass sheet 1392 and backing plates 1394 will conform tothe curvature of the concave mold 1374.

[0507] After oven heating the heat forming unit 1370 is removed from theoven. Once cooled off the unit 1370 can be disassembled and the glasssheets 1392 and backing plates 1394 are now permanently curved and readyfor use.

[0508] FIGS. 56-58

[0509] FIGS. 56-58 disclose several further improvements on the framecalendar system of the present invention previously shown in FIGS.30-34. For the sake of clarity the frame shown in FIGS. 30-31 is againshown in FIG. 56. The major components of this frame 1010 including theframe body 1014 with the frame window 1015, the back door 1016, and themounted spring plate 1018 are also identified in FIG. 56.

[0510] A new item added to the frame 1010 shown in FIG. 56 is a spacer1400. This spacer 1400 can be simply a wood or molded plastic blockglued to the back door 1016. The purpose of this spacer 1400 will bedescribed in the later section below.

[0511] Also shown in FIG. 56 is the calendar sheet 1024, same as the oneshown in FIG. 33. Located in front of the calendar sheet 1024 is thewindow glass 1026. A custom picture, if to be displayed in lieu of thecalendar picture 1036, can be placed between the calendar sheet 1024 andthe window glass 1026. Mounted on the window glass 1026 is the innerframe 1030 with its four L-shaped stud walls 1032 visible in FIG. 56.Also seen on the calendar sheet 1024 are the perforation lines 1404separating the calendar picture 1036 and the calendar border section1040, and the perforation line 1406 separating the calendar date tablesection 1038 and the calendar border section 1040. All these lines havebeen described previously in connection with FIG. 33.

[0512] The picture backing plate 1046 is the same as the one shown inFIG. 33. But the border backing plate 1044 shown previously is nowdivided into a new border backing plate 1408 and a calendar date tablebacking plate 1410. A spring clamp 1412 is shown clamped on the topcenter edge of the calendar date table backing plate 1410. More detailsof this spring clamp 1412 is shown in FIG. 57 and is described in thelater section below in connection with its operation.

[0513] Also shown in FIG. 56 are two magnet blocks 1414 which areintegrally mounted on the back side of calendar date table backing plate1410 by adhesive or other suitable means. Two more magnet blocks 1416are also shown in FIG. 56. These two magnet blocks 1416 are disposed onthe front side of the calendar date table backing plate 1410 and areattracted magnetically to the two magnet blocks 1414. This magneticforce will force each magnet block 1416 to rest on the same positionshown once it is placed near the magnet block 1414 across the calendardate table backing plate 1410.

[0514] Not shown in FIG. 56, but also mounted behind the calendar datetable backing plate 1410 in the similar manner as the magnet blocks1414, are two other magnet blocks 1418. Two dash line rectangles 1420are shown indicating the position of these two magnet blocks 1418 on theback side of the calendar date table backing plate 1410.

[0515] The spring clamp 1412 and the magnet blocks 1414, 1416 and 1418are two different types of devices for holding calendar sheets of thepresent invention as will be described in the later section below.Normally either one type of device alone is adequate as long as thetotal number of paper sheets to be held is not excessive.

[0516] To start the assembling, the picture backing plate 1046 is placedbehind the calendar picture section 1036, while the border backing plate1408 is placed behind the calendar border section 1040. The assembledcalendar sheet assembly is next placed in the frame body 1014. The backdoor 1016 can now be closed and locked which produces an assembled framecalendar system ready for displaying.

[0517] When this assembled frame calendar system is verticallypositioned, the calendar sheet assembly is held in place withoutslipping because the two bottom stud walls 1032 are held by the twolower outer spring leaf 1022. Since the calendar date table backingplate 1410 is not installed in this assembled frame calendar system, thecalendar date table section 1038 is free hung and touching the spacer1400. This spacer 1400 will provide support to the calendar sheet 1024for memorandum writing.

[0518] After the expiration of the present calendar sheet, the calendardate table section can be removed along the perforation line 1408 whilethe calendar picture and border sections can still be saved for futuredisplay. After a year or two, there will be enough of such calendarpictures and borders saved and there is no longer much need toaccumulate any more of such calendar pictures and borders. It would bedesirable that, for the purpose of reducing the cost, the calendarsheets of future years may be consisting of only the calendar date tablesection 1038 with no calendar borders and no calendar pictures. This ispossible only if the new calendar sheets can be independently mounted onthe frame 1010 without attaching to any saved calendar pictures andborders. This is the thrust for the further improvement of the presentframe calendar system.

[0519] As the Internet is gaining more wide acceptance it will bepossible to provide download of such calendar templates for many usersat low cost. Different templates to include different holiday and/orreligious events for different countries or ethnic groups can also bereadily provided for such download. Once downloaded into the user'scomputer, the user can add custom memo, personal events, and cliparts toeach standard calendar template to make the printed calendar sheet moresuitable for each user's own individual needs.

[0520] One other important advantage of such calendar customization isthat once the calendar template and date are stored in the computer, itcan be revised and printed to include any new memo, events, or graphics.This can be done any time when needed. The revised calendar sheet canthen be displayed replacing the current calendar sheet.

[0521]FIG. 56 shows two such customized calendar sheets, a horizontalcustom calendar sheet 1422 and a vertical custom calendar sheet 1424,printed from a user's computer. The front side details of these twocalendar sheets are shown in FIG. 58.

[0522] The horizontal custom calendar sheet 1422 is very similar to thecalendar date table section 1038 shown in FIGS. 32-33, and FIG. 56. Theboundary line 1426 shows the size of this calendar sheet which should beabout the same as that of the calendar date table section 1038. A papercutter or scissors will be needed to trim the paper along this boundaryline 1426 for making this calendar sheet.

[0523] The calendar date table backing plate 1410 will be needed formounting and displaying this custom calendar sheet 1422. Before mountingmake sure there is no more old style calendar sheet 1024 with itscalendar date table section 1038 still attached to the calendar bordersection 1040. If so, just tear them apart along the perforation line1406. The removed calendar date table section 1038 can be eitherdiscarded or displayed in the same manner as the custom calendar sheet1422 to be described.

[0524] The custom calendar sheet 1422 can be mounted on the calendardate table backing plate 1410 using the spring clamp alone without themagnet blocks 1414, 1416, and 1418. FIG. 57 shows an enlarged view ofthis spring clamp 1412. This spring clamp can be made of cast metal ormolded plastics. It includes a clamp base 1432 and a clamp plunger 1434.The clamp base is in the shape of a rotated “U”. The top portion is abase handle 1436 which provides a straight hole 1438. The bottom portionof the clamp base is a base plate 1440 with a rectangular foot. Theupper part of the clamp plunger 1434 is a plunger handle 1442 which isintegrally connected to a plunger stem 1444 inserted through thestraight hole 1438 and a compression spring 1446. The lower end of theplunger stem is threaded and is threaded into a disk 1448. Due to thecompression spring 1436 the clamp plunger 1434 is always rest at itslowest position with the disk 1448 firmly pressed on the base plate1440.

[0525] The assembling of this improved frame calendar system basicallyinvolves three simple steps. The first step is to place the assembledcalendar pictures/borders including the window glass 1026, picturebacking plate 1046, border backing plate 1408, and custom picture, ifany, in the frame body 1014. The next step is to place the calendar datetable backing plate 1410, in the frame body 1014, right below theassembled calendar pictures/borders. The back door 1016 can now beclosed and locked, thus completing the assembling process.

[0526] The thickness of the spacer 1400 and the calendar date tablebacking plate 1410 are such that when the frame calendar system isassembled, the spacer 1400 will firmly hold the calendar date tablebacking plate 1410, but without excessive pressure. In this way, thecalendar date table backing plate 1410 will provide a firm supportsurface for memorandum writing on the custom calendar sheet 1422 to beinstalled.

[0527] Now the custom calendar sheet 1422 is ready to be installedwithout opening the calendar frame 1010. This is simply achieved bylifting up the clamp plunger 1434 with one hand while placing the customcalendar sheet 1422 underneath the disk 1448. The clamp plunger 1434 isthen released which will allow the disk 1448 clamped onto the customcalendar sheet 1422.

[0528] Obviously, the custom calendar sheet 1422 must be properlyaligned before it is clamped. The dash line 1450 on the top center ofthe custom calendar sheet 1422 indicates the position of the disk 1448.A stack of many custom calendar sheets 1422 can also be mounted in thesame manner. Make certain the top sheet can be freely lifted for datechecking.

[0529] The vertical custom calendar sheet 1424 shown in FIG. 58 has asize indicated by the boundary line 1452 which is identical to the sizeof the horizontal custom calendar sheet 1422. The display of this customcalendar sheet 1424 will require the frame 1010 as viewed in FIG. 30 tobe rotated 90 degree counterclockwise. This is possible since the easelsupplied in this frame will support both such orientations. Obviously, acalendar picture or custom picture of vertical format will also beneeded for such display.

[0530] One or more vertical custom calendar sheets 1424 can also besupported by the spring clamp 1412 alone without the magnet blocks 1414,1416, and 1418. This is achieved by lifting the clamp plunger 1434 whilesliding the spring clamp 1412 to the upper left comer of the customcalendar sheet 1424. The clamp plunger 1434 is the released allowing thedisk 1448 clamp onto the vertical calendar sheet 1424 at the positionindicated by the dash line 1454.

[0531] The ability to display both vertical and horizontal customcalendar sheets will make the present frame calendar system even moreuseful. A user can switch the display of custom pictures between thevertical and horizontal formats at any time when desired. Obviously,this will require a calendar template of correct format be chosen formaking such custom calendar sheet.

[0532] Both the horizontal custom calendar sheet 1422 and the verticalcustom calendar sheet 1424 can also be supported by the magnet blocks1414, 1416 and 1418 without the spring clamp 1412. The assembledcalendar system without the custom calendar sheets is first lay flat ona table. The two magnet blocks 1416 are temporarily removed. The stackof horizontal custom calendar sheets 1422 and/or vertical customcalendar sheets 1424 are placed on the calendar date table backing plate1410 properly aligned and oriented. The two magnet blocks 1416 can nowbe placed on the custom calendar sheet near the two rectangle dash lines1456 of the horizontal custom calendar sheet 1422 or the two rectangledash lines 1458 of the vertical custom calendar sheet 1424. These twomagnet blocks 1416 will “jump” to its final positions indicated by therectangle dash lines 1456 or 1458. This completes the custom calendarmounting process.

[0533] It is clear from the above description that the improved framecalendar system as shown in FIGS. 56-58 allows a calendar sheet havingonly the calendar date table in either horizontal or vertical format tobe easily mounted or removed from the frame body without opening theframe assembly. A firm support is provided for memorandum writing on thecalendar sheet. Since this calendar sheet is exposed, it can be readilylifted for date checking without opening the frame assembly.

[0534] Although the preferred embodiments of the frame calendar systemsof the present invention have been described, it will be understood thatwithin the purview of this invention various changes can be made in theform, details, proportion and arrangement of parts, the combinationthereof and the construction thereof, which generally stated, consist ina frame calendar system within the scope of the appended claims.

The invention having thus been described, the following is claimed:
 1. Acalendar system capable of displaying a picture, comprising: (A) acalendar having a calendar date table, (B) a frame assembly having (a) aframe window, (b) a transparent plate, with its area substantiallysmaller than that of said frame window, placed behind said frame windowfor covering a portion of said frame window, and leaving the remainingportion of said frame window as an uncovered portion, and (c) supportingmeans for simultaneously (i) supporting said picture in said frameassembly and displaying said picture through said transparent plate, and(ii) supporting said calendar in said frame assembly and exposing saidcalendar date table through said uncovered portion of said frame windowwhereby memorandum writing on said calendar date table can be achievedwithout disassembling said frame assembly.
 2. The calendar system ofclaim 1 in which said supporting means include a spring for urging saidpicture toward said transparent plate.
 3. The calendar system of claim 1in which said supporting means include a backing plate.
 4. The calendarsystem of claim 1 in which said supporting means include a stud forholding said picture.
 5. The calendar system of claim 1 in which saidsupporting means include a stud mounted on said transparent plate forholding said picture.
 6. The calendar system of claim 1 in which saidsupporting means include a spring clamp for supporting said calendar insaid frame assembly without disassembling said frame assembly.
 7. Thecalendar system of claim 1 in which said supporting means include amagnet for supporting said calendar in said frame assembly withoutdisassembling said frame assembly.
 8. A calendar system comprising: (A)a calendar having a calendar picture and a calendar date table, (B) aframe assembly having (a) a frame window, (b) a transparent plate, withits area substantially smaller than that of said frame window, placedbehind said frame window for covering a portion of said frame window,and leaving the remaining portion of said frame window as an uncoveredportion, and (c) supporting means for supporting said calendar in saidframe assembly and (i) for displaying said calendar picture through saidtransparent plate, and (ii) for exposing said calendar date tablethrough said uncovered portion of said frame window whereby memorandumwriting on said calendar date table can be achieved withoutdisassembling said frame assembly.
 9. The calendar system of claim 8 inwhich said calendar having (a) a calendar picture sheet having saidcalendar picture, and (b) a calendar date table sheet having saidcalendar date table.
 10. The calendar system of claim 9 in which saidsupporting means include a stud mounted on said transparent plate for(i) dividing said transparent plate into a center area and a borderarea, and (ii) holding said calendar picture sheet and displaying saidcalendar picture through said center area of said transparent plate. 11.The calendar system of claim 9 in which said supporting means include astud mounted on said transparent plate for (i) dividing said transparentplate into a center area and a border area, and (ii) holding saidcalendar picture sheet and displaying said calendar picture through saidborder area of said transparent plate.
 12. The calendar system of claim11 in which said supporting means also include a spring for urging saidcalendar picture toward said border area of said transparent plate. 13.The calendar system of claim 9 in which said calendar picture sheet alsohas a border picture surrounding said calendar picture.
 14. The calendarsystem of claim 13 in which said calendar picture and said borderpicture are separated be a perforation line.
 15. A vertically positionedcalendar system, capable of displaying a custom picture, comprising: (A)a calendar sheet having one calendar date table and one calendarpicture, and (B) a frame assembly having (a) a frame window, (b) atransparent plate, with its area substantially smaller than that of saidframe window, placed behind said frame window for covering a portion ofsaid frame window, and leaving the remaining portion of said framewindow as an uncovered portion, and (c) supporting means for supportingsaid calendar sheet and said custom picture in said frame assembly, andfor displaying said calendar sheet and said custom picture in thefollowing two displaying modes, one mode at a time: (i) first displayingmode: simultaneously displaying said calendar picture through saidtransparent plate, and exposing said calendar date table through saiduncovered portion, and (ii) second displaying mode: simultaneouslydisplaying said custom picture through said transparent plate, andexposing said calendar date table through said uncovered portion. 16.The calendar system of claim 15 in which said supporting means include astud.
 17. The calendar system of claim 15 in which (a) said supportingmeans include hanging means, and (b) said calendar sheet includeshanging receiving means engaged with said hanging means for hanging saidcalendar sheet in said frame assembly.
 18. The calendar system of claim15 in which said calendar sheet also has one calendar border surroundingsaid calendar picture.
 19. The calendar system of claim 15 in which saidsupporting means include a calendar backing plate engaged with saidcalendar sheet for mounting said calendar sheet in said frame assembly.20. The calendar system of claim 19 in which said calendar backing plateincludes a raised section for facilitating memorandum writing andcalendar page turning.